ATHENS — Freshman Richard Samuel could move past Caleb King as Georgia's backup tailback when the No. 14 Bulldogs play at Kentucky on Saturday.

"It's a much tighter race, I'll say that," said coach Mark Richt of the competition for playing time behind starter Knowshon Moreno at the position.

King, a redshirt freshman, has 60 carries for 246 yards and a touchdown this season. Samuel has 22 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Samuel also has averaged 23.5 yards on eight kickoff returns.

Richt said King must improve his pass-blocking skills but added Samuel "is not perfect in pass protection, either."

"He runs well in practice," said Richt of Samuel. "He's not totally comfortable with every single play, but he's getting better there."

Richt, speaking with reporters before Thursday's practice at Sanford Stadium, said he was happy with the way his team has practiced this week, following last week's loss to Florida.