FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- There's something to be said on the importance of old friends. Just ask the bunch of former Georgia Bulldogs turned Atlanta Falcons.
Six former players from the University of Georgia have traded jerseys, but have kept the color red that defines both the college and the state's NFL franchise. Their familiarity with one another is important, especially during the hard work and long hours put in during training camp.
Defensive end Josh Mallard, linebacker Tony Taylor, wide receiver Fred Gibson, defensive end Nic Clemons, quarterback D.J. Shockley and tight Martrez Milner all suited up for the Bulldogs within the last five years. Several of them played together just down the road in Athens.
All also happen to be Georgia natives. Milner is from Gainesville and played his high school ball minutes away from the Falcons practice facility.
“All my life I’ve been watching the Falcons play -- ever since Deion (Sanders) played," he said. "I was a Deion fanatic. When you play high school here and play college in Georgia it’s a blessing to be in the same state and the guys here are wonderful.”
Of course, being close to friends and family isn't the only perk of playing professionally in the same state one grew up. There's a comfort factor on the field that could result in better play or, at the very least, friendly competition.
“You know that guy personally, how he runs routes, how he gets open and how he wants to compete," said Shockley, who threw to Milner and Gibson in college. "I think it helps when you have certain situations when you’re trying to decide which guy you’re going to throw to.
"I really don’t know any disadvantages. I think it’s more of an advantage to have people know who you are, know your capabilities and know that you can play ball. You have the support of the people around here. I don’t think there’s any disadvantage that I can think of.”
Gibson agrees.
“I played with D.J. before and also I played with Joey Harrington in Miami. It’s a great situation for me playing wide receiver and playing with those two quarterbacks because I’ve played with them before.”
There is something different to be said, however, about the change of pace from college to pro. That's something all the former Bulldogs can help each other with.
“One thing I’ll say is that the tempo is much faster," the rookie Milner said. "The speed is killing me. I ain’t used to going this fast. The play book is in-depth. But, like I said, I have to keep working and get better every day.”
CHANGING BACKFIELD: Fullback Ovie Mughelli knows a thing or two about versatility.
The 6-foot-1, 255-pound veteran was asked to catch some passes and run the ball during four seasons with Baltimore. He's also excited about the possibilities of working in Head Coach Bobby Petrino's offense, especially when there's plenty of new faces in the backfield to work with.
“It’s not difficult, it’s a challenge and you have to adjust to it," the fullback said when asked about working without injured running back Warrick Dunn. "We’re hoping Warrick gets back quickly. But, in the meantime, it gives me a chance to play a little tailback, which I’m going to have to do regardless during the season.”
Mughelli said he played tailback in high school and got some carries in college, but is now focused on learning some of the new schemes for his position in the pro ranks.
“We’ve got a lot more things for me here than in Baltimore," he said. "I really can’t complain.”
ROOKIE WORK: Petrino spoke about rookie offensive lineman Justin Blalock Friday after practice.
Blalock, one of 11 Falcons draft picks, was taken in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and holds a University of Texas record with 51 consecutive starts on the offensive line.
“We really like Justin, his size and also his athletic ability especially for his position," Petrino said. "He is a guy that learns fast and that part is very important to him. He is in there with the first team, and we just have one guy that is out with a foot problem. Those are the only two that are competing for that position. Other veterans like Wayne Gandy and Todd McClure will assist the rookies with any assignments they need as training camp progresses.”
WEATHER REPORT: Gorgeous, cloudy skies ruled for both practices at training camp Friday.
That's right.
Gorgeous.
Clouds kept the hot sun away until late in the day when it cast a soft, orange light over the first evening practice of camp. The Falcons have one practice scheduled for Saturday. The weather is expected to be around 90 degrees with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
