Georgia offensive tackle Mark Beard has decided to transfer to another school after he graduates this spring, the school announced on Thursday.
“We appreciate Mark’s contributions to our program the last two years and wish him the very best for his final year of eligibility,” head coach Mark Richt said in a news release.
Beard will be able to play immediately next fall at another school thanks to the NCAA’s graduate transfer rule. He would’ve been a senior for UGA in 2014.
He played in 26 games, with two starts, over the past two years after transferring from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.
“I’m grateful for the experience I’ve had at Georgia and that I’ll leave with a degree from UGA,” said Beard. “I’m looking forward to the next step in my football career.”
Beard was primarily a backup behind starting left tackle Kenarious Gates during his Bulldog career. With both players now leaving, UGA will have some depth issues at the position. Senior Kolton Houston and junior John Theus are the most likely candidates to fill the void.
