Chapas done, so Figgins works at fullback

Shaun Chapas has played his last game for the Georgia football team.

The senior fullback will miss the Liberty Bowl because of ankle surgery, head coach Mark Richt said after Saturday’s practice.

As a result, tight end Bruce Figgins has been getting reps at fullback, in what could be a one-game move, or could carry into next year.

Chapas, a team captain, has struggled with his ankle most of the season, dating back to the South Carolina game. Richt said the injury simply got to the point where surgery had to happen.

“He’s been trying to play through it, but it’s just progressively gotten worse and he needed to clean it up,” Richt said.

Chapas had four touchdowns this year – two each rushing and receiving – along with 44 rushing yards and 29 receiving.

Figgins, a junior from Columbus, is third on the depth chart at tight end. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has lined up in the backfield in some sets before.

“That’s not necessarily a full-time change. But we’re getting him some work there, because of depth issues,” Figgins said.

In the meantime, Fred Munzenmaier and Zander Ogletree, and Dustin Royston are also getting reps there.

Munzenmaier is also a senior, so the possibilities for fullback next year are Ogletree, Royston and possibly Figgins. Freshman Ken Malcome will stay at running back, Richt said.

In other injury news, defensive end Brandon Wood has a right shoulder injury and hasn’t participated yet in bowl practice. Richt said he thought Wood would be available after the Christmas break.