Tight end Pearce Spurlin III medically disqualified

UGA football sophomore tight end Pearce Spurlin III has been  medically disqualified, according to an announcement from UGA on Tuesday.

Below is the text of UGA’s release on Spurlin:

Spurlin has a congenital heart condition that representatives from Georgia were aware of and that they have closely monitored. Over time and after discussion and counseling with medical specialists, Spurlin and his family have made the decision that he will no longer play. He will remain on scholarship, continue with his studies at Georgia and work with the football team in another role.

“We care deeply for Pearce and he will remain on scholarship and part of our program, said head coach Kirby Smart. “Our tight ends coach Todd Hartley and the our other tight ends hate for a person and a player like Pearce to not be a part of their room, and they will continue to provide him with the support he needs as he goes through this transition.”

Shortly after the announcement, Pearce Spurlin released a statement via his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Thank you God. Ur plan is the only plan. pic.twitter.com/2xZx0HVeb4

— Pearce Spurlin III (@PearceSpurlin) March 12, 2024

With Spurlin out, Georgia will have five tight ends on its roster for the upcoming season: Benjamin Yurosek (Graduate), Oscar Delp (Junior), Lawson Luckie (Sophomore), Jaden Reddell (Freshman), and Colton Heinrich (Freshman).

The Bulldogs opened Spring practice on Tuesday morning and the annual G-Day Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 13.

Georgia is scheduled to open the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 against the Clemson Tigers in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The Bulldogs host Tennessee Tech the following week on Sept. 7 before opening SEC action on the road on Sept. 14 against Kentucky.

2024 UGA Football Schedule