Georgia Bulldogs outside linebacker Robert Beal Jr. in no longer in the NCAA’s transfer portal. Beal, who put his name into the portal, is electing to stay in Athens. Beal practiced with UGA before the Sugar Bowl against Baylor.
Beal, a redshirt sophomore, will be a junior next season. It’s understandable for Beal, who saw much less playing time in 2019. After playing in eleven games in 2018 as a freshman, Beal played in only four this season. He had an offseason incident and UGA added ultra-talented freshman Nolan Smith, so he didn’t see the field as much.
Beal was considered a four/five-star prospect entering Athens. He’ll continue to fight for playing time in Georgia’s talented core of linebackers. UGA is returning several defenders, who were considering entering the 2020 NFL Draft. Dan Lanning will prepare the Dawgs for another excellent season on that side of the ball.
Beal will give Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs a boost to their depth at linebacker and edge rusher. Beal ending up not playing in the Sugar Bowl, but as an experienced defender, he can step in at any time and there will be little if any drop off.
