2010 SEC Media Days: Georgia's Mark Richt Remains Tan, Cool, And Unruffled After A Decade

Mark Richt just finished a tidy stint in the main room here, a stint made tidier by a request on Georgia’s behalf to hold off on all questions regarding the NCAA’s investigation into AJ Green’s alleged presence at the agent-sponsored South Beach Party currently erasing half the games played in the 2009 college football season.

Without agent questions, Richt largely focused on answering actual questions about actual football.

—The Bulldogs’ switch to the 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham wasn’t easy, but save for the outside linebacker position depth is not an issue, per Richt. “Now some of those positions might have some young guys at them, but depth is not an issue.”

—Aaron Murray, the new redshirt freshman starter, is going to be asked to manage the offense.

“He does not need to make a spectacular play every play. If the protection’s there, put the ball on him. If it’s not, throw it away.”

—Richt’s tan rating? It’s about a 7 on a 1-10 scale, and lags far behind Nick Saban’s glowing hide for sheer luster. Bobby Bowden’s nagging about proper skin care has to be getting to him for the reigning Sun King of SEC Football to fall so far behind a rival.

—The inevitable hot seat question did arrive, which Richt addressed with his usual sangfroid.

“My goal is to focus on the things I can control.”

The highlight thus far for the Georgia portion of the programming is fullback Shaun Chapas popping into Richt’s sessions in the smaller rooms and asking the probing question of the day: “Who is your favorite fullback in the SEC, coach?”