OL Brent Benedict leaving Georgia for ‘personal reasons’

Georgia redshirt freshman offensive lineman Brent Benedict has left the team due to “personal reasons,” head coach Mark Richt announced today.

Benedict (6-5, 312) was listed on the depth chart as a backup to Chris Burnette at right guard. His departure leaves the Bulldogs with only 15 offensive linemen on scholarship.

Benedict hadn’t yet played for the Dawgs after completing two years of rehabilitation after injuring his knee in his senior season at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.

Although Benedict didn’t specifically cite what his “personal reasons” were, rumors are circulating that he did not agree with the methods of the strength and conditioning program. The program is now led by Joe Tereshinski.

If these rumors are true, it’s sad that Benedict would leave over such trivial circumstances. Tereshinski was elevated to his position, and other support staff were hired, to change the culture around the program.

Other than Washaun Ealey, who had multiple transgressions while on campus, there hasn’t been a lot of talk about players not buying in. Here’s hoping Benedict leaving is the only bump in the road.