ATHENS — It appears another Georgia player may transfer.
Derek Owens, a sophomore cornerback from Jacksonville has confirmed to at least one media outlet that he plans to leave Georgia sometime this semester. He was not participating in Tuesday’s practice.
At his weekly news conference Tuesday, Georgia coach Mark Richt would neither confirm or deny Owens’ plans, but intimated that something was definitely imminent.
“I hope to have some information by the end of the day to address that,” Richt said.
Owens could not be reached for comment, but reportedly told Dawgs247.com via email, “yes, I’m leaving.”
Owens (5-foot-9, 166 pounds) did not travel to Ole Miss this past weekend. He appeared in the first three games as a special-teams player, but has been bypassed on the depth chart by freshmen. He appeared in all 12 games last season and finished with six tackles and a fumble recovery.
If Owens leaves, that would bring to 14 the number of players who have left Georgia with eligibility remaining since the end of last season.
Some of those departures were player initiated, such as wide receiver A.J. Green and outside linebacker Justin Houston applying for early entry into the NFL draft. Others were because of medical disqualification, such as offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant (knee), guard Tanner Strickland (shoulder), defensive end Jeremy Longo (knee). Tailback Caleb King was unable to maintain academic eligibility.
Sanders out for season
Freshman defensive back Chris Sanders has been lost for the season because of a shoulder injury.
Sanders, who had emerged as a frontline player on special teams, injured his left shoulder during practice Sept. 20. He did not make the trip to Ole Miss last weekend. He appeared in the first three games and recorded two special-teams tackles. He will be granted a medical redshirt, according to Richt.
Sanders was the first commitment of the Bulldogs’ Class of 2011. He was a two-starter at Tucker High School at safety and wide receiver.
Swann doubtful
Freshman cornerback Damian Swann (groin) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, and Georgia remains uncertain about the availability of several other players.
Swann started against Coastal Carolina at cornerback, but was injured in that game and did not make the trip to Ole Miss last weekend. He has one tackle this season.
Richt said the Bulldogs remain “hopeful” that they will get back starting guard Chris Burnette for Saturday’s game. However, he was unable to practice Tuesday.
Burnette, who started the first three games at right guard, went down with a knee injury in practice last week. He traveled to Ole Miss last week, but did not dress out and watched the game from the sidelines on crutches.
Sophomore Dallas Lee filled in for Burnette. Sophomore Kenarious Gates, who returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him the previous two weeks, started at left guard.
Wide receiver Marlon Brown returned to practice Tuesday after missing the past two weeks with an ankle injury.
Running back Ken Malcome missed practice Tuesday with a stomach ailment.
Murray roughed up
Quarterback Aaron Murray showed up for a media interview Tuesday with significant abrasions on his right cheek and on the side of his nose. He said the injuries occurred when he lost his helmet while scoring a touchdown against Ole Miss on a quarterback sneak.
“I think they thought my head was the ball because I got arms across the face and they grabbed it and ripped,” he said with a laugh. “So I think they were trying to strip the ball, and I think they thought my head was the ball. It’s not fun going in there without a helmet on.”
Just a third of the way through the regular season, Murray has taken a lot of abuse. He has been sacked 11 times and hit at least twice that often.
“Sunday mornings you usually don’t feel great,” said the 6-foot-1, 211-pound sophomore. “But the past two weeks I really haven’t been hit that hard. So I really don’t feel bad right now. A couple of ice bags, and I’m ready.”
Etc.
Richt said there is “nothing new to report” on offensive guard Kolton Houston. The redshirt freshman has been sidelined all season because of an unspecified “NCAA issue.” ... Richt said Georgia would be spending more time on special teams this week. The Bulldogs have given up two special-teams touchdowns this season — on a fake punt and punt return — and missed five field goals this season. They’ve also gotten very little out of their punt-return team, averaging just 5.5 yards per return.
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