A pair of former Bainbridge High School Bearcats All-Region 1AAAA performers have impressed new University of Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

Senior Darryl Gamble, who moved from inside linebacker to outside linebacker during the final week of spring practice, and junior strong safety Nick Williams, are both battling for starting spots.

Chatting with reporters during a rain interruption of Friday’s Bulldogs practice session, Grantham described Gamble’s preseason camp practice sessions as excellent. He is battling Cornelius Washington at the position.

Gamble told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was confident he could contribute whether he started or not.

“When I get in, I know I can make a difference, whether it’s at the outside or the inside,” Gamble said. “I’m that type of player who just plays wherever I’m needed and when I’m needed. I mean, I don’t care if I don’t play until the last play of the game as long as I know I’ll make a difference that last play.”

Willams is battling junior Jakar Hamilton for the starting spot at strong safety.

“I like the battles at outside linebacker and strong safety,” Coach Grantham said. “I think the guys have really bought into what we are doing. I think they have shown that they have studied in the off season.”

Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt also had words of praise for Gamble, pointing out that he and junior wide receiver A.J. Green are having an excellent camp.

The Bulldogs will open their season Saturday, Sept. 4 when they host the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at Sanford Stadium in Athens. They will open their Southeastern Conference schedule Saturday, Sept. 11 against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, S.C.

Darryl’s fans can stay up-to-date by becoming a fan of his unofficial Facebook page at facebook.com/gamblefans