Dogs release top LB signee

Athens — Dexter Moody, one of the top players in Georgia’s 2009 football recruiting class, was released from the national letter of intent he signed with the Bulldogs just last month.

UGA officials declined to say why they rescinded their scholarship offer. But Moody said Monday night it was due to a recent suspension he received for threatening an Emanuel County Institute teacher.

“I got into a little trouble down here,” said Moody, reached by telephone in Twin City Monday evening. “I got into an argument with one of my teachers.” Moody said he was accused of threatening the male teacher because he “walked up on him.”

Moody, a linebacker and teammate of fellow Georgia signee Washaun Ealey, is free to sign with another school. Asked where he might end up, Moody said, “maybe Central Michigan or Florida.”

Asked if he was disappointed Georgia revoked its scholarship, Moody said, “No, not really. I would’ve liked to have gone with Washaun but I figure everything happens for a reason.”

Moody (6-2, 205) was named a high school All-American by SuperPrep, PrepStar and Under Armour and was a Super Southern 100 and Class A first-team All-State selection of the AJC. He had 79 tackles, 10 sacks, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions for ECI, which finished 14-1 and lost in the Class A state championship game.

The Bulldogs signed two other linebackers in the 2009 class: Mike Gilliard of Valdosta and Chase Vasser of Gainesville.