Georgia's Kearney will be at practice

ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia freshman linebacker Tavares Kearney can head to the field this afternoon for his first college football practice, without the threat of a university expulsion or suspension hanging over him.

Associate dean of students Kim Ellis said Thursday those sanctions are not being considered for Kearney, the former Tucker High School player accused of making physical contact with an instructor after she alleged he cheated on a July 15 nutrition exam.

Kearney is still facing two university charges of disorderly conduct and must decide if he will accept punishment laid out before him during a 45-minute meeting in the Office of Judicial Programs Thursday or go to a formal hearing before the Student Judiciary.

If Kearney does not dispute the charges, his sanctions could be to meet with Ellis once per month for a semester and to consult with an Athletic Association staff member, said Wanda Smith, Kearney's mother and an Atlanta radio personality. A third disorderly conduct charge has been dropped.

- Georgia players reported to campus Thursday to prepare for the start of fall camp.

"Everybody is accounted for, and they look good," coach Mark Richt said of the 105 players. "Our returning players as well as the true freshmen had a very good summer academically and in the weight room."

The first official day included physicals, freshmen orientation and meetings. The first practice is today, following the team's first media session of the season.

South Carolina: Coach Steve Spurrier found his quarterback in Blake Mitchell - at least for the season opener against Central Florida.

"Blake's earned it and he's our starter," Spurrier said after practice Thursday night.

Spurrier said the coaching staff decided that Mitchell, a sophomore, should start the Sept. 1 contest at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN.

"Obviously if he plays well he will be the quarterback for the entire season barring injury," Spurrier said. "We felt like Blake is much better prepared mentally and physically. He's had an excellent summer working out and it's clear to all of us here that he's our best guy to go out there."

Mitchell, 6-foot-3, 194 pounds, is from LaGrange, Ga. He played in five games last season, hitting 9 of 22 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Mitchell played extensively in the Garnet and Black spring game this past April, completing 12 of 23 passes for 175 yards and a TD.

The Gamecocks have only had three practices since camp began. The quick decision even surprised Mitchell.

"It was something I wasn't expecting to hear this early in camp," said Mitchell.