Given the events of the past few months involving Washaun Ealey, including a suspension and hamstring issue that sidelined him for the spring game, you kinda got the feeling it might only be a matter of time. When Georgia signed one of the top running backs in the country, and promptly hinted that he could very well carry the running game load as a true freshman in 2011, you really got the feeling it might only be a matter of time.
Today, the time has not-so-unexpectedly come.
In a release, UGA announced that they have granted the back an unconditional release to transfer to another institution for the 2011 academic year. Head coach Mark Richt said it was a mutual decision, which, in this instance, might actually be the case as it makes perfect sense.
“Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks,” said Richt in a statement. “We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest.”
Ealey led the Bulldogs in rushing in each of the past two seasons, totaling 717 yards in 2009 and 811 last year. The presence of Isaiah Crowell in their 2011 recruiting class -- he was the No. 4 RB in the nation according to Rivals.com, and No. 1 according to Scout.com -- however, likely made this a no-brainer for both sides in the end.
Then again, the UGA football program had better hope Crowell is indeed all that and a bag of Lattimores because they are losing a very talented player who would be more than serviceable if he’s not. Or, if he’s not quite yet.