NaDerris Ward's departure appears to have pushed Georgia toward making a final decision on the future of another player. Aron White, who was brought to Georgia with the idea he would be either a receiver or tight end, will start to work exclusively with the tight ends in the spring.

"He will probably spend just about every rep at tight end," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "He will be in the tight end meeting room and working with all the tight ends. Fundamentally he is going to prove he is capable of being a tight end this spring."

Georgia needs him to prove that in order to have depth come fall. Ward was the third strong tight end behind Tripp Chandler and Brice Figgins. True freshman Bryce Ros could also join the mix. But there has been some question as to whether Ros would be most successful at tight end or defensive end.

Additionally, Ros is new to the system. So that means White's presence is paramount to having adequate depth at the position.

But White has the ability to add a wrinkle to the tight end spot as well.

At 6-4, 228 pounds, he is still physically building toward the tight end position. But that size also is an advantage because White is faster and more agile than most tight ends — and most linebackers who might draw the defensive assignments against him.

Another factor to consider with Ward's departure is that it frees up one more scholarship for next season. Georgia lost just 13 seniors. That means 13 spots to fill. But there was the Dwayne Allen signing day switch that freed up another scholarship. Now Ward's departure bumps the number of available scholarships to 15.

Georgia already has five players committed for 2009.