Georgia redshirt junior receiver Justin Scott-Wesley (86) juggles a pass against University of Tennessee defensive back JaRon Toney (35) in their meeting last fall. Scott-Wesley likely will face a one-game suspension for his arrest last October on a marijuana possession charge.

In weather more suitable for their annual season finale against Georgia Tech, the Georgia Bulldogs conducted their fourth spring football practice Tuesday afternoon and the first in full pads,.

"It was cold and windy, I'll say that, but we really had a good day," coach Mark Richt said in his post-practice news conference. "It was very, very spirited. I think we're making a lot of progress. Guys are running to the ball on defense, and I think we're doing a good job offensively, too.

"I see a bunch of guys working really hard and a bunch of coaches coaching really hard. It's been a pleasure to watch so far."

Tuesday marked the third time in which Richt has addressed the media following a spring workout, and it was the third time he has offered praise to the coaching staff. The Bulldogs have four new defensive assistants this spring, including coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

The Bulldogs will practice again Thursday and Friday and conduct their first scrimmage Saturday.

Richt, who was the only coach or player available to the media Tuesday, said the wind affected all of the quarterbacks in their throws. The wind also prevented members of Georgia's filming staff to shoot practice from the towers.

"There was no way we were going to put them up in those," Richt said.

Richt complimented senior right tackle Kolton Houston on getting stronger and benefiting from matching up against outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in practice. He also praised junior tight end Quayvon Hicks, who played fullback last year and could help at both positions this fall.

When asked about the four players arrested last week -- safety Tray Matthews, receiver Uriah LeMay and defensive linemen James DeLoach and Jonathan Taylor -- on theft-by-deception charges, Richt said he needed more time before announcing the punishment. He said all four are participating in early morning running.

"I wouldn't put anything out of the realm of possibilities right now," he said.

Richt also was asked about redshirt junior receiver Justin Scott-Wesley, who tore his ACL in early October at Tennessee and was arrested in late October for marijuana possession.

"We'll stay with our policies on that," Richt said, referencing a likely one-game suspension.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.