UGA notebook

ATHENS, Ga. - Sophomore linebacker Jarvis Jackson started the first three games this year for No. 8 Georgia, then was relegated to a reserve role for more than two months until the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.

The reason, Jackson said on Saturday, pertained to off-the-field issues related to his class work that he needed to take care of to get back into defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's good graces.

"It was just a matter of me proving myself again to the coach," Jackson said. "We had some differences, but I got it resolved. I guess he thinks I'm the best man for the job. It was kind of a challenge. I had to prove to him that I could get focused and prove to him that I could get back on the field."

Jackson was second on the team in tackles (21) and tied for second in tackles for loss (2.5) three games into the season after starting the opener at weakside linebacker and the next two games at middle linebacker. When All-SEC linebacker Odell Thurman returned from a three-game suspension, sophomore Danny Verdun Wheeler of Thomson remained the starter at weakside linebacker until Jackson regained the job for the Georgia Tech game.

Jackson, who was also bothered at times this season by a shoulder injury, is expected to start the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl against No. 16 Wisconsin, but will share time with Verdun Wheeler.

TESTING THE WATER: Junior defensive tackle Gerald Anderson has submitted his name to the NFL's draft advisory board to gauge where he would be projected to go in the draft if he did give up his senior season.

"It's still in my mind that I'm coming back for my senior year," Anderson said.

THIS AND THAT: New No. 1 kicker Brandon Coutu is getting the majority of the kicks in practice, with Andy Bailey now positioned at the No. 2 spot. ... Reserve offensive tackle James Lee did not practice Saturday because of a compound fracture of his left thumb, but coach Mark Richt said Lee should be able to return to action wearing a cast when practices resume in Florida after Christmas. ... Former Georgia safety Sean Jones, now with the Cleveland Browns, dropped by practice after attending the graduation of some of his friends.