Georgia DT A.J. Harmon moves to offense

Athens — A.J. Harmon, a much-celebrated member of Georgia’s recruiting class this year, has been moved from defensive tackle to the offensive line.

“I think that’s going to be a permanent move,” coach Mark Richt said Tuesday.

Richt said he still expects to redshirt Harmon this season, although the coach added: “Now, some injuries could change that.”

The 6-foot-5, 328-pound tackle was a Parade All-American at Jefferson County High School, where he played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was the last member of Georgia’s 2008 recruiting class to commit.

Since arriving in Athens, Harmon had worked exclusively on the defensive line — until one day last week on the practice field. The offensive line was “banged up,” so offensive line coach Stacy Searels “grabbed [Harmon] and told him to go in,” Richt recalled.

After discussing the matter this week, coaches made the shift official.

“We think it’ll be in the best interest of [Harmon’s] future,” Richt said. “He came to me and said, ‘I’ll do whatever you need me to do.’ “