Georgia made official on Thursday what had already become very evident earlier in the week. Merritt Hall’s football career is over.
The junior fullback from Alpharetta “has been medically disqualified by the UGA sports medicine staff for recurrent concussions,” UGA said in a news released circulated Thursday afternoon. “The UGA Athletic Association will apply for a medical exemption certificate for him.”
Hall being able to remain in school on an athletic grant-in-aid must be approved by the NCAA. That’s likely just a formality in Hall’s case.
Hall sustained a concussion during a practice last week. UGA said the hard-blocking fullback has been concussed multiple times both at Georgia and while attending The Wesleyan School in high school.
As for what will happen next at the position, coach Mark Richt confirmed Thursday that linebackers Detric Bing-Dukes and Christian Payne have been moved there for the rest of the season. Senior walkon Taylor Maxey is currently working with the first team.
Having Quayvon Hicks back to fullback from tight end is not a current option. Hicks started six games there last year before moving to tight end in the spring.
The Bulldogs have developed an H-back role for Hicks in which “he can easily shift to a fullback position and know what to do,” Richt said.
About the Author
