The Daily Recap: AD search begins, latest on Richard LeCounte

Here is the Dec. 1 edition of The Daily Recap presented by JFQ Lending.

McGarity to retire

Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity announced that he will retire at the end of December. As the university searches for a replacement deputy athletics director Josh Brooks will step into McGarity’s post on an interim basis.

McGarity, a UGA graduate, was Georgia’s athletics director for the past 10 years.

“I want to thank President (Jere) Morehead for all of his support and guidance over the years,” said McGarity. “I step down knowing that our Athletic Association is in great hands under his strong leadership. To our coaches, athletic staff, and student-athletes—you have made the last decade the very best of my career, and I thank you for your dedication to excellence in athletics. You're the heart and soul of our program, and it has truly been an honor to serve alongside you as athletic director.

"Finally, my thanks to our alumni, donors, and fans for your unyielding support of Georgia athletics. There's no better fan base in college sports than the Bulldog Nation.”

Hot board

Anthony Dasher put together a hot board of potential candidates to replace McGarity as Georgia’s athletics director. Dasher gave a detailed explanation of the following five names:

Oregon AD Rob Mullens

Connecticut AD David Benedict

Virginia Tech AD Whit Babcock

Virginia AD Carla Williams

Georgia deputy AD Josh Brooks

Could LeCounte return this year?

Head coach Kirby Smart doesn’t know when safety Richard LeCounte will return to the football field. But on Monday, he said there is a chance he could be back at some point.

It’s unlikely he will play against Vanderbilt, however.

But that leaves the possibility for LeCounte to return either against a potential make-up game against Missouri—if that happens—or in Georgia’s bowl game.

"There's a chance that Richard can get back,” Smart said. “I don’t know how realistic it is for this week, but he’s doing more. He's running now, and he's with us; he's back into things. There's a chance he can get out there and play by this week.”

Smart is hopeful defensive tackle Jordan Davis (elbow) will play against the Commodores. He also said cornerback Mark Webb (undisclosed) “could have played,” but was held out against South Carolina as a precaution due to injury.

Mathis enters transfer portal

Georgia quarterback D’Wan Mathis officially entered the transfer portal on Monday.

Mathis began the season as Georgia’s starting quarterback but was replaced by Stetson Bennett in the opener. With JT Daniels taking over two weeks ago, Mathis had fallen to third on the depth chart.

“As far as D’Wan goes, like I said the other night, he has handled everything first class,” Smart said. “Every conversation he’s had with me has been the right way. He did not want to be a distraction for the team, and he was very hurt and disappointed that things came out before the game.

“That bothered him because he did not want to be a distraction for the team. He wanted to handle it the right way, and he wanted it to come out today when he entered the portal and that is exactly what he asked and that is what we did. I am excited to see his future.

“He’s going to be a really good football player. We want him to stay here — there’s no doubt we want him to stay here. We have encouraged him to stay here. But I also respect that is his decision, and we are going to help him every way we can with a transition. I think he’s got a bright future.”

Underclassmen notebook

Jake Reuse spoke with 11 players in the 2022 and 2023 classes about Georgia and posted updates on each one. Included in that list was class of 2022 receiver Kojo Antwi (Lambert/Suwanee).

“Texas A&M remains the ‘dream school’ for Antwi, but Cortez Hankton is reaching out daily and working Antwi hard early on,” Reuse wrote. “The Bulldogs have been especially complimentary of Antwi’s style of play and want to keep him home if at all possible. For Antwi, that could come into play, as he admitted that being away from his parents would be an adjustment. Georgia’s difference in passing offense with the rise of JT Daniels has also been on his radar. Look for him to see Georgia when visits open back up.”

Throwback

Gone

Takeaway

Outside the Vent

A four-star running back has decommitted from Auburn.

Amid a coaching change and winless season, Vanderbilt still secured a commitment from an athletic defensive back.

The Northwestern-Minnesota game has been canceled this week.

Michigan halted team activities amid Covid-19 concerns.

Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr. suffered a torn ACL this past week.

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