Three Georgia football transfers have committed to new schools.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson, offensive lineman Austin Blaske and pass rusher CJ Madden announced their transfer destinations.
One of the first Bulldogs to enter the portal, Jefferson announced his transfer to Southern Methodist University on Dec. 12. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive lineman recorded just one tackle this season and was 6-of-3 for tackles. The season he was with the Bulldogs.
The former four-star prospect in the 2021 class was expected to play a larger role with the Bulldogs, but saw his minutes significantly reduced throughout the season. Jefferson joined his SMU team that recently went 11-2 and won his conference championship over American Athletic.
The Mustangs have several players on the defensive line, as all but one of their rotational defensive linemen are seniors, including Elijah Chatman, the team’s top tackler, and Elijah Roberts, the team’s sack leader. may be lost. Jefferson could be a huge upgrade for SMU, a team that looks short headed into the 2024 season.
Blaske announced his decision to enter the portal on the same day as Jefferson, announcing his decision to transfer to the University of North Carolina on Dec. 15. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman spent time as a depth piece at every position on the offensive line, with the most time at center and tackle.
Blaske competed for the starting left tackle position this season, but ultimately lost out to Ernest Greene III. Three or four of UNC’s starters may not be back for another year, unless someone has a year with the pandemic. This will give Blaske more opportunities in several different positions. His addition could help the Tar Heels, who are 8-4 this season, find more success up front.
Madden announced his decision to enter the portal on Dec. 4, but announced his transfer to Purdue on Dec. 16. The 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman recorded three tackles for the Bulldogs this year and will finish his tenure at Georgia with that number.
Madden quickly fell behind established starters like Chazz Chambliss and fellow Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr., but ultimately fell behind true freshman Damon Wilson Jr. and the season. At the end, he wasn’t even close to Samuel Memba.
Madden, who is in his third season as a collegiate athlete, has a chance to replace senior Kydran Jenkins, who ranks second on the team with seven and a half sacks and may leave the program. Madden will likely play opposite team leader Nick Skorton, a sophomore who scored 10 points this season.
Madden joins a Purdue squad that had one of its worst seasons in years as the team went 4-8 and missed a bowl game under first-year head coach Ryan Walters. become. Now, Madden will have a chance to find success thanks to a second-year coach and a change of pace.