Sturdivant update

Look to see Trinton Sturdivant on the field at some point on Saturday.

The junior offensive lineman, who’s coming off two straight knee surgeries, has had a good preseason. So Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels wants to give Sturdivant some playing time against Louisiana-Lafayette.

“We don’t have to work him in quick right now. But I would like to see him play Saturday, and get some quality reps, and some confidence,” Searels said. “Anytime you have two major surgeries like he did, it’s gonna take awhile to get that confidence back. But I look forward to him getting out there and playing well.”

Sturdivant started every game as a true freshman in 2007, and looked to be Georgia’s anchor on the line for some time at left tackle. But he missed the 2008 season after left knee surgery, then started last year’s opener against Oklahoma State, only to injury the left knee again and miss the season.

“Trinton’s worked very hard for a guy that’s been through two years, two hard offseasons,” Searels said. “He’s worked hard, he’s had his ups and downs. But I think he’s coming back and I look forward to seeing him play some.”

Searels also indicated that Sturdivant can play more than left tackle. The starters on the line are basically set, so it will be interesting to see how Sturdivant and other reserves are used.

Searels wouldn’t pinpoint any other reserves. But backups that have received mention from others this camp have included redshirt sophomore tackle A.J. Harmon, redshirt freshman guard Dallas Lee and junior guard Tanner Strickland. Center Chris Burnette, a redshirt freshman, might miss the opener.

“I think those guys have worked hard. And there’s some guys showing that they can be counted on,” Searels said.