ATHENS - Marshall Morgan knows what he's getting into.

The freshman kicker for the Georgia football team was asked on Thursday if he had began to feel the weight of responsibility.

Morgan didn't duck it.

“It's a lot of pressure," Morgan said. "It’s a lot of pressure. It’s a big job. All the Georgia fans, they don’t take it as a joke. SEC football, it’s big. So I felt it.”

He also knows it can be a fickle fan base. Morgan has read online stories of fan discontent over Walsh's struggles as a senior, and the calls for Walsh to lose his job despite his first three  wildly successful seasons.

“Pretty much, you have to be perfect as a kicker," Morgan said. "You go out there, and you have three, maybe four attempts. And if you miss one of those, you’re gonna get some stuff for it.”

Morgan has been pinpointed as the heir apparent to Walsh - his fellow South Florida native - since he committed as a high school junior. Now the moment is nearly upon him.

Technically, Morgan hasn't been named the No. 1 kicker. Senior walk-on Jamie Lindley has been competing with Morgan, who missed his only attempt in Wednesday's scrimmage, from about 35 yards.

Apparently, Morgan has made some progress: Head coach Mark Richt said Thursday that Morgan is the No. 1 kicker "right now."

So what kind of kicker is Georgia getting? Physically, Morgan is bigger than Walsh. But it's the size and accuracy of the foot that matters.

Morgan said he would feel comfortable anywhere inside of 55 yards. He was asked if he would prefer his first career kick, the first impression for Georgia fans, be a chippy to gain some confidence, or a 50-yarder.

“I talked to Blair. And I know every year his first kick is over 50 yards," Morgan said, with a laugh. "I’m ready for anything. I’m ready for anything right now.”