Column: It’s beginning to look a lot like football

The views of the author are not necessarily the views of AllOnGeorgia.

You all know the song.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go …”

Well, I started singing that song Friday morning while out running some errands around town.

I changed the words, though, to fit something closer to getting started than my holiday shopping.

Yes, that would be football season.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like football, everywhere you go …”

And that’s so true.

It’s almost here. The wait is almost over. Games will kick off soon, and there are many signs that football season is truly near.

Last week, Georgia high schools started mandatory practices. This week, on Wednesday to be exact, the state’s prep football teams could strap on the full pads for practice.

“Real football,” I call it, could begin.

Tonight, there will be a kickoff pep rally for Brunswick High and Glynn Academy. I hate I can’t be there, but I am sure it will be a good time.

I assume the bands will be playing the school fight songs, the cheerleaders will be waving their pom poms, the fans will be able to get popcorn and cotton candy, and the coaches might give a speech that has everyone thinking a state championship might be on the way here in a matter of months.

Next week, a new school year starts on Thursday, and then on Friday, the football teams take the field for preseason scrimmages which represent a tune-up for the first game the following week.

Pads will pop, whistles will blow and touchdowns will be scored. Hurray, hurrah!

Today, the Georgia Bulldogs returned to the practice field in Athens to open fall camp, and of  course excitement is off the charts within Bulldog Nation following last year’s run to the national title game.

Just yesterday, the Dogs found out they are starting out the season ranked fourth in the coaches poll behind Alabama, Clemson and Urban Meyer, oh I mean, Ohio State.

Tomorrow, Georgia will hold an open practice at Sanford Stadium that will be followed by a fan day event. I expect the fans to turn out by the hundreds for an up close look at the Bulldogs with basically a month to go until the Dogs kick off the season between the hedges against little Austin Peay.

Georgia Tech got its preseason camp under way today as well on the Flats, and Georgia Southern also began fall camp at Eagle Creek in Statesboro.

I assume Georgia’s smaller colleges that also play football – Mercer, Kennesaw, Valdosta State and the like – are moving into action this weekend, too.

Of course, training camps began across the NFL last week, so the Altanta Falcons were back at practice in Flowery Branch, and the good news is that Julio Jones did show up and is practicing right along side everyone else.

Even better, the athletic wide receiver reports that he is “truly 100 percent” healthy, and that hasn’t been the case in recent years. Yet, he still played at an extremely high level.

As for me, I’m definitely getting that itch. I’m definitely antsy.

I’m ready to talk football with coaches on a daily and weekly basis.

I’m ready to report for duty in the press box and watch good football games unfold on Friday nights.

I’m ready to watch College GameDay on Saturday mornings, or visit Sanford Stadium or maybe another fine venue in the South and watch some big-time college football.

I’m ready for NFL Countdown on Sunday morning, games on Sunday afternoon and night and also fantasy football.

Yes, Hank Williams Jr.

I am ready for some football!

And, yes.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like football, everywhere you go!