Robert

Beal Jr.

Beal was a lauded member of Georgia’s 2017 recruiting class but has barely seen the field since arriving in Athens. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound pass-rusher entered the transfer portal last month but has apparently had a change of heart. Georgia’s roster has seen a lot of upheaval over that time, so even though Beal’s career to this point has been nondescript, today’s development can be counted as a positive sign.

Beal played sparingly in 2018 and even less in 2019. After appearing in just five games in 2019, the 6-foot-4, 244-pound pass-rusher will be looking to play elsewhere. Beal was a four-star recruit in Georgia’s 2017 signing class. While it’s not worked out at Georgia, it’s unlikely Beal’s baseline talent has gone anywhere. Some team should benefit from bringing in Beal, especially if a Group of Five team can get him.

Beal was arrested along with fellow linebacker Brenton Cox and charged with a misdemeanor for possession for less than an ounce of marijuana. The former four-star linebacker has been a rotational player for the Bulldogs, and could see more playing time in his third year with Georgia. That playing time could be on hold now, as there could be a suspension to begin the season.

Beal de-committed from Notre Dame in mid-February, perhaps feeling the tug of his home state roots. He hails from Norcross, Georgia, and ranks as Rivals’ No. 70 overall prospect for the 2017 cycle. The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder marks another feather in the cap of Bulldogs’ HC Kirby Smart, whose 2017 class at this juncture is impressive given that Smart was prowling Alabama’s sideline just seven months ago. Beal stands as Georgia’s 13th commitment. Eight of those young men rank as four-star recruits on Rivals’ board.

Word started to leak in January that Beal might be sniffing around. The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder’s the first recruit to de-commit from Notre Dame since Prentice McKinney did so in January of 2015. HC Brian Kelly’s attributed his program’s stellar record on this front to the solidarity of his staff and their ability to find student-athletes who fit the Notre Dame mold. We’ll see if they can reel Beal back on board--it’s not unusual for recruits to de-commit and then later re-commit.