Freshman cornerback Rico Johnson’s career with the Georgia Bulldogs is in jeopardy, according to media reports. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, a recently-discovered long-term medical issue could end Johnson’s career.

Georgia has the option to place Johnson on medical scholarship due to the condition and likely will do so. According to reports, head coach Mark Richt has yet to confirm the next step. NCAA rules dictate that a player can take a medical scholarship and remain in school on scholarship without counting against a team’s 85-player limit assuming the player can longer play football.

The Swainsboro, Ga. native signed with the Bulldogs as a wide receiver, but switched to cornerback at the start of preseason camp. He’s appeared in each of Georgia’s four games thus far on either defense or special teams, recording five total tackles.

It’s yet another blow for Jeremy Pruitt’s thin and inexperienced defensive secondary. Johnson was joined in the secondary by freshman Dominick Sanders and redshirt freshman Aaron Davis.