Georgia Football: Week 5 Spring Practice Stock Report

It’s the final full week of spring practice for the Georgia Bulldogs as they gear up for the G-Day game this Saturday.

The Bulldogs will practice two more times after G-Day, but the players know that they have to turn it up a notch this week.

The week started with a scrimmage last Saturday, and the Bulldogs had a final full pads practice on Tuesday. The Bulldogs practiced on Thursday and will have a walkthrough on Friday.

And just like in the previous weeks, a few players stepped up their game this week, while others did not have the best week of the spring season.

Here’s the Week 5 spring practice stock report for the Bulldogs.

Rising: WR Chris Conley

If there is one offensive player who is having the most outstanding spring season, it would have to be Chris Conley.

The rising junior had six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmage on Saturday. In the two scrimmages this spring, Conley has caught nine passes for 171 yards and two scores.

Coach Mark Richt has liked the way Conley has worked this spring, and Conley could have a breakout season in 2013.

Rising: OL John Theus

After missing the majority of spring practice with an injury, John Theus returned to action last Thursday.

The rising sophomore offensive lineman normally plays right tackle, but during Tuesday's practice, Theus was working at the left tackle spot.

This may not seem like a big deal, but the fact the coaches have Theus protecting Aaron Murray’s blind side says that they are starting to trust him more than they did last season.

It’s also not a guarantee that Theus will stay at left tackle once the offensive line is at full strength this fall. But if he has a good G-Day game, there’s a chance that Theus will have a permanent new position.

Rising: S Tray Matthews

The reason Bulldogs fans loved Shawn Williams is that he could lay crushing hits on running backs and wide receivers.

The fans will show the same love for Tray Matthews, who he is earning his way onto the starting lineup due to his closing speed and power at the point of attack.

Richt said that he has been impressed with Matthews this spring and he’s a fundamentally sound tackler.

Richt also said that Matthews has not nailed a certain job yet, but he will see playing time in the fall.

Falling: LB Brandon Burrows

One player who is trying to earn playing time but is having a hard time staying healthy is Brandon Burrows.

The linebacker from Marietta, Georgia had to sit out of last Thursday’s practice because he suffered a concussion.

Burrows was on pace to compete for playing time at inside linebacker, but Ryne Rankin and Reggie Carter have moved up in the depth chart, which could leave Burrows out of the loop when the season begins.

However, if he can shine in the G-Day game and stay healthy this offseason, he could return to the rotation.

Falling: WR Malcolm Mitchell

Malcolm Mitchell does not need to worry about being in the receiver rotation, but with his knee surgery, there has to be a level of concern about his health when summer practice begins.

Mitchell has had a solid spring, but the injury will keep him out of action until August.

The Bulldogs take on the Clemson Tigers at the end of August. Will Mitchell be able to go, and if he is ready, how effective will he be?

Holding Steady: QB Hutson Mason

After another strong scrimmage on Saturday, Hutson Mason is ready to be the No. 2 guy for the Bulldogs this season and the No. 1 guy for them in 2014.

Mason threw for 154 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the Saturday scrimmage, which were similar numbers to Murray, who had 159 yards, one score and one pick.

With the G-Day game roster being formatted by first-team and second-team units, Mason will work with the second team and have a chance to make some big plays on Saturday at Sanford Stadium.