After serving a suspension for two alcohol-related arrests in the offseason, Georgia defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter is now eligible to play.
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart told reporters Tuesday that Ledbetter, a sophomore, will likely make his season debut Saturday against Vanderbilt. In all, Ledbetter served a six-game suspension.
“We’re expecting him to be back this week, how much he’ll play I don’t know,” Smart said, per UGASports.com. “He’s handled everything we’ve asked him to do very well and he’s worked very hard.”
Ledbetter was arrested for DUI in July after police found him asleep at the wheel at a traffic light at 5:30 a.m. Police said Ledbetter’s vehicle was in drive with his foot on the brake pedal and it took nearly 20 minutes to wake him up. Ledbetter had previously been arrested for underage possession of alcohol and false identification in March.
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After the second arrest, Smart said Ledbetter would be subject to discipline plus an “intensified education, counseling and medical assistance program.” Ledbetter issued an apology.
“First I want to apologize to my family, my teammates and coaches, the University and the Bulldog Nation. I have a problem and have received an incredible amount of support and treatment through the Athletic Department for the problem. For that I am thankful,” Ledbetter said. “I ask for everyone’s support as I continue to receive additional treatment for this disease and work toward a healthy life.”
Ledbetter played in seven games as a true freshman in 2015 and registered four tackles. While serving his suspension, Smart said Ledbetter has been playing well on the scout team.
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“He got scout team player of the week three or four times,” Smart said. “He was taking a lot of reps, he was disruptive to them (the offense) and gave us a great look at all the tough players we would be having to block. He’s been the guy who has gone in there to play those positions, so we’re excited to have him back. We’ll work him into the rotation, how much he’ll work will depend on how well he practices this week.”
Georgia improved to 4-2 (2-2 SEC) with a win over South Carolina on Sunday. The game was initially scheduled for Saturday, but moved back a day because of Hurricane Matthew.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
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