Linebacker Tim Kimbrough won’t be playing for Georgia in 2016.
The linebacker tweeted Thursday morning that he “didn’t have a choice” to stay.
I didn't have a choice to stay at Georgia
— Tim Kimbrough Jr.™ (@TK42_GTL) August 11, 2016
I have to go to a D2 school so I can play this year.. I'm not sitting out this year.. DM me for more info
— Tim Kimbrough Jr.™ (@TK42_GTL) August 11, 2016
I had 4 different sets of coaches while I was there and I was good with each coaching staff.. Idk what happened this year
— Tim Kimbrough Jr.™ (@TK42_GTL) August 11, 2016
Georgia coach Kirby Smart issued a statement Thursday that said it was a mutual decision between the linebacker and himself.
“Based on a mutual decision between Tim and I, he will no longer be a part of our football program,” Smart’s statement said. “We wish him the best as he continues his education and playing career.”
Kimbrough started seven games for the Bulldogs in 2015 and was the team’s leading returning tackler. He had 67 stops last season and was projected to be the team’s starting middle linebacker. He also posted this to Twitter, making it seem that he hasn’t chosen a transfer destination yet.
If any coaches wanna see film from this past camp contact me.. Sophomore yr Special teams and played in Sec games.. Y'all seen Junior Yr
— Tim Kimbrough Jr.™ (@TK42_GTL) August 11, 2016
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13 of Kimbrough’s tackles in 2015 came against Alabama. He was named the team’s most improved player in 2014 after he had 32 tackles and appeared in all 13 of the team’s games. He was a four-star recruit in the class of 2013 and was considered the No. 3 player in the state of Indiana according to Rivals.
With his departure, here’s UGA Sports’ assessment of Georgia’s middle linebacker picture.
His leaving leaves the Bulldogs somewhat thin at inside linebacker, where Natrez Patrick is working through what looks to be some sort of leg injury, while Reggie Carter and Roquan Smith are coming off injuries of their own while sophomore Juwan Taylor, senior Johnny O’Neal, senior Ryan Rankin and freshman Jaleel Laguins have either yet to play or played very little over the course of their careers.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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