Following a report that Georgia TE Luke Ford was in Illinois this week, Georgia coach Kirby Smart clarified the freshman’s status as preparations for the Sugar Bowl continue.

Smart confirmed that Ford was in Illinois, and the coach expects him to return to the team “right after Christmas to practice with us here and then go to the bowl game.”

One report from Seth Emerson of The Athletic said there were indications that the Carterville, Illinois native had decided to leave the team, but there was no confirmation from Ford or the team, and “minds can always change.”

Ford signed early with Georgia in the class of 2018. Shane Beamer was the TEs coach, and he left for Oklahoma the following month, as Beamer was one of the main reasons Ford signed with the Bulldogs.

Ford is the former No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Illinois for the class of 2018, including being ranked as the nation’s No. 51 overall prospect, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. He’s caught one pass in 10 games so far this season.

Isaac Nauta and Charlie Woerner, both juniors, got most of the attention at tight end this season, but Georgia also had senior Jackson Harris in the mix there as well.