University of Georgia Bulldogs head football coach Mark Richt told Dawgpost.com this week that former Bainbridge High School Bearcats linebacker Darryl Gamble is the most productive outside linebacker in the Bulldogs fall camp.

Gamble, who drew praise for his hard work from defensive coordinator Todd Grantham earlier in August, is a senior on UGA’s defense. He started at inside linebacker last season but was moved down on the depth chart after his coaches asked him to move to the outside last spring.

Redshirt sophomore Cornelius Washington is Gamble’s chief competition for the starting position.

Many had considered Washington as the starter early in camp because of his athletic ability and prototypical look and size, but Gamble’s experience has helped close the gap.

Coach Richt called Gamble the most productive outside linebacker at the Bulldogs’ fall camp.

“You know I’m going to leave the decision on who starts at outside linebacker to [Grantham] to decide, but I don’t think there is any question that Gamble and Washington will both play a lot,” Richt said.

Richt said Gamble is definitely practicing hard, pointing out that he is turning it up a notch in 11-on-11 scrimmages.

“Darryl’s been impressive.” Richt said. “I think he’s enjoying it. He gets an opportunity as an outside linebacker to blitz and get matched up on running backs, which has been a mismatch because he is a bigger man.

“He also gets a chance to put his hand on the ground in our nickel package and use his quickness against those tackles. He had three sacks in Saturday’s scrimmage.”

Georgia will begin the 2010 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 4, against Louisiana-Lafayette at Sanford Stadium.

Gamble’s fans can keep up-to-date by visiting his unofficial Facebook fan page at facebook.com/gamblefans