The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: LINDY DUGGER Georgia's offensive line does a blocking drill during the first day of spring practice [Click to enlarge]

Editor's Note: The football team began spring practice Monday. With the Bulldogs being mentioned as national title contenders for the 2008 season, here are some of the developing story lines.

In the minds of Georgia's coaches, Aron White was stuck in the middle of two positions.

He has the frame of a tight end, but not enough muscle. He has the height of a jump-ball receiver, but not enough speed.

In White's mind, he wasn't in the middle. And when NaDerris Ward opted to transfer, it forced the Bulldogs to put White where he wants to play.

"I definitely think it would suit me better to play better tight end," White said. "I think I pose a mismatch problem that helps me see the field rather than at wide receiver where maybe their guy has a step on me."

While White is listed at 228 pounds, he said he's on a program that should bulk him up after spring practice is over.

"I think that once spring is over there's going to be an intense weight lifting program," White said. "I was kind of limited last summer. I had a couple of injuries that were nagging and had a couple of new ones when I first got here. I think that I'm trying to be healthier this summer. I have a nutritionist that's telling me what I should and shouldn't eat, and I'm supplementing, so that's going to help me put on the pounds."

While White realizes it is unlikely to beat out Tripp Chandler and Bruce Figgins for starting positions, he said he sees himself working his way into a consistent role on the field.

"Hopefully, I can work myself into a consistent playing time role on this team," White said.

"I understand I'm not an every down tight end right now, but, at the same time, I'm working just as hard as the next man and get as much playing time as possible."

In the backfield, there is a buzz circulating about redshirt freshman Caleb King, even though redshirt sophomore Knowshon Moreno is the clear starter heading into the season.

Continued...

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