ATHENS – John Jenkins’ parents and brother are driving down from Connecticut to see his Georgia football debut Saturday. They will see the big nose tackle play. They just won’t see him start, as he was widely expected to do when he signed out of junior college in February.

“A lot of people talk, and I appreciate the faith that they have in me,” Jenkins said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not capable of doing the job that I’m asked to do, just because I’m not a starter.”

Kwame Geathers, a holdover from last year’s defense who only played in nine games, instead earned first-team duties. But Jenkins will still play, and after an off-and-on preseason, he appears to be picking up ground.

“John had his best practice (Tuesday),” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “I mean I thought he was really dominant out there. Those guys are all gonna play. It’s important that you have big guys up front that can play and rotate and keep them fresh. So they’re all gonna play.”

“I feel like I pushed Kwame. And Kwame pushed himself too,” Jenkins said. “Kwame made up his mind that he wanted to do good.”

Jenkins played the past two seasons in junior college. He said former teammates, including Mississippi State tailback Vick Ballard, told him if he chose an SEC school he’d better be ready to grind.

As much as he remembered that and prepared that way, apparently the past month of preseason was what it took to bring it home.

“This stage of football is totally different,” Jenkins said. “It’s a lot riding (on it). It’s very intense. You can’t take anything for granted. And all the rich resources you’re provided, you have to use it. And it’s very overwhelming, but it can be done.”

Defensive line coach Rodney Garner has also pushed Jenkins, who laughed when he was asked about the difference between Garner the recruiter and Garner the position coach. Jenkins spoke of Garner showing him he had a real heart, even as he pushed him relentlessly.

“The one day when he stops getting at me verbally will be the day that I’m blessed enough to be in the (NFL) draft. Until then, he’s gonna come after me hard,” Jenkins said.

Samuel practices

Head coach Mark Richt made clear that while tailbacks Isaiah Crowell and Richard Samuel will both get carries, Crowell is moving closer to being able to start because of Samuel’s nagging left quad injury.

“I’d say if Richard doesn’t practice the next day or two, it might be that Isaiah gets a chance to be the starter,” Richt said. “I don’t think there’s any doubt we would hope for them to split the time, to share the load. Most everybody in college and pro football would prefer to have two guys that can get it done. And I think Richard’s style and Isaiah’s style, it would help us.”

Richt said that before Tuesday’s practice, when Samuel did participate.

“He was out there (Tuesday). I wouldn’t say he was 100 percent yet,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “It’s still Tuesday, so we’re hopeful he’ll be there. I’m expecting him to play.”

No Rambo update

Safety Bacarri Rambo was practicing with the first team during the early part of Tuesday’s practice. Several other outlets have reported that Rambo will be suspended for the opener, but Richt has declined to address it.

Richt didn’t take the bait when asked if anybody besides Carlton Thomas was suspended for the opener.

“Nothing to report on that,” he said, before adding: “At this point anyway.”