Reserve offensive lineman Josh Cardiello is transferring from Georgia, and already has a new home.
Cardiello has signed with UT-Chattanooga, and is already on his new campus.
“It’s been in the process for awhile. Obviously I’ve been keeping it on the (down low),” Cardiello said Friday. “For me it’s just being about where I want to be football-wise.”
Cardiello played in one game last year, after redshirting in 2013. He will have three years of eligibility at Chattanooga. He was out of the mix in discussion for playing time this spring at Georgia, which has four starters returning. The lone open spot is at center, but Cardiello was not mentioned as a candidate there, nor at left guard, which could be vacated if starter Brandon Kublanow ends up moving to center.
Cardiello said there “no bad blood” with UGA, it was just a matter of playing time. He only played in one game last year as a redshirt freshman, and was not in the mix for much playing at time this year at guard or center.
“I think, for me, being where I want to be football-wise, to have that experience and ultimately contributing and help a team win and feel that camaraderie and stuff you really don’t feel when you’re not playing,” Cardiello said. “I think this was the best situation for giving me the ultimate football experience, if that makes sense.
“It was just me doing what was was best for me.”
The news comes as Georgia tries to get to the 85 scholarship limit. Mark Richt has acknowledged that the team is right around the limit.
Georgia still projects to have 14 offensive linemen on scholarship this year, even after Cardiello’s departure.
Cardiello, 6-foot-3, 297-pounds, graduated from Buford High after signing with the Bulldogs as a consensus 3-star prospect in 2013. He helped the Wolves to three straight Class AAA state championships and was a consensus all-state selection.
“Josh and I have discussed his situation,” Richt said in a news release. “He likes Georgia but felt it would be in his best interest to transfer in order to have a better opportunity for playing time. I certainly understand and wish him nothing but the best.”
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