Kirby Smart shares the latest on linebacker Robert Beal, who recently entered NCAA transfer portal
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Robert Beal’s status for the 2020 season remains in limbo but the fact he’s participating in Sugar Bowl preparation with his Bulldog teammates has to be a good sign that the former five-star recruit is at least considering a return to Athens.
If you missed it, Beal entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal just days after Georgia’s 37-10 loss to LSU in the 2019 SEC Championship Game.
Following a freshman season that saw Beal appear in 11 games, the sophomore linebacker appeared in just five games for the Bulldogs this season. While he remains listed in the NCAA transfer portal, Beal is still with the Bulldogs and made the trip to New Orleans for the upcoming Sugar Bowl against Baylor.
During his recent media availability, Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was asked if he could provide any information on Beal’s status with the team. The UGA assistant didn’t offer up much in response to the question.
“I can’t speak to (that). I know he’s here working with us this week, excited to see what he’s doing, but no, I can’t speak to that,” Lanning said.
On Tuesday, Kirby Smart met with the media for his Sugar Bowl press conference and offered up a bit more information when asked about Beal’s status.
“Just because you’re in the transfer portal doesn’t mean you’re leaving,” Smart noted. “You may be exploring your options, but it’s a dead period. I’m okay with that.”
Clearly, Smart is leaving the door open for Beal to return to Athens in 2020 as you can never have enough talented defenders on your roster. Who knows, the Peach State native may look around and come to the conclusion that there isn’t a better place for him than Athens.
That seems like a safe bet and one Smart is willing to gamble on.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
