Monday was the first day of the NCAA’s transfer window for fall spots, and it was a busy day for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff highlighted a list that included five Bulldogs to enter their names in the NCAA’s “portal,” according to announcements they made via their personal social-media platforms. The others were offensive lineman Austin Blaske, defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson, outside linebacker CJ Madden, wide receiver Jackson Meeks and outside linebacker Darris Smith.
Vandagriff was the most notable. A former 5-star prospect out of Bogart, Vandagriff was once an Oklahoma commitment and was considered the heir apparent to Carson Beck at Georgia’s quarterback position.
Wrote Vandagriff: “Dawg Nation, Thank you for the unwavering support over the past 3 years. I was able to accomplish a huge goal of mine which is graduating from the University of Georgia. I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, trainers, EQ staff and professors for helping to shape me into the man I am today. The friendships and relationships built over the past 3 years have played a huge role in my life and will continue to do down the road.
“I will be entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility. I am excited for the opportunities that are ahead of me. All of this would not be possible without my Lord and Savior, helping to guide me along the way. Chop wood. Carry water. … Go Dawgs.”
A redshirt sophomore, Vandagriff played in eight games this season as a reserve. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback also had five carries for 39 yards. He played three games in 2022 and two games in 2021.
Beck reportedly has not decided whether he will return to Georgia or enter the NFL Draft. He and his parents were scheduled to meet with Georgia coach Kirby Smart to discuss his future. Indications are the 6-4Georgia also has redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton. Quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and Ryan Publisi have committed to Georgia next season.
It’s unlikely Vandagriff’s decision came as a surprise to Smart. Sunday, when discussing the No. 6-ranked Bulldogs’ Dec. 30 Orange Bowl matchup against No. 5 Florida State, Smart said he had been meeting with players for a while now to discuss their futures.
“Those conversations have been happening for several weeks now,” Smart said. “So we’ll have guys into the portal, opt to not play in the game. To be honest with you, I’m really not stressing or worried about it right now. We have a week to kind of get ourselves together. Our guys will take some time off, take a little break they need, get back and get back to working out, throwing, practice time.
“It’s not a major concern for me right now because I know we have a good core of our team that’s going to want to be there and play. I just don’t have specifics, though.”
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