Dawgs CB Branden Smith Sidelined due to Academics

Georgia Bulldogs sophomore cornerback Branden Smith has been sidelined while he is “working through some academic issues,” Mark Richt said on Monday.

Smith will not practice with the team until the issues are resolved. Richt told various reporters that he expects the situation to be resolved by Friday.

The good news is that Richt stated there are no other football players with academic issues. The bad news is that Smith could possibly be ineligible for the Fall semester and the 2010 season. Georgia’s defense really needs Smith, who was battling for one of the starting cornerback positions.

Smith is also a vital player on special teams and brings an extra skill set on offense. Last season, he averaged 17.4 yards on 16 kickoff returns. On offense, he rushed 17 times for 209 yards and scored two touchdowns.