Todd Gurley’s Presence at Practice Bolsters Georgia Football’s Team Spirit

By Gabrielle McMillen @GabbyMcMillen on October 14, 2014

Just as Mark Richt promised Sunday evening, Todd Gurley practiced with the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday, leading many to wonder if the NCAA is close to reaching a decision in regards to Gurley’s alleged NCAA violations. While Gurley cannot play in a game until cleared by the association, his presence on the field seems to have boosted the morale of his fellow teammates. Even if Gurley doesn’t get any playing time until later in the season, his presence on the field can only help the Bulldogs.

Although the players have been instructed not to speak on the matter, inside linebacker Ramik Wilson expressed that the team was happy to have Gurley back with them in practice and that he has been supporting his teammates. After the initial shock and disbelief of Gurley’s suspension began to fade, Georgia demolished Missouri on the road. Call it a team banding together and leaning on each other; call it a team fueled by passion due to Gurley’s plight; call it a group of players sick and tired hearing that they were a one-man team. But Gurley’s absences made Georgia an even stronger team than before. Can the Bulldogs keep up the momentum as they prepare for their game against the Arkansas Razorbacks? The answer is yes.

The pressure is still on for the Bulldogs to make a case for themselves without Gurley on the field. Seeing him in practice will help young running backs Nick Chubb and Brandon Douglas perfect their game, while Hutson Mason and wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley have their passing, receiving games to work on. Gurley’s presence at practice will reinforce their goals at hand and make the team and fans proud as the Bulldogs gear up to face Arkansas this weekend.