UGA tailback A.J. Turman has been granted a release and will transfer. In the wake of Turman’s decision, Georgia’s new head coach Kirby Smart has received some negative press for placing restrictions on Turman’s transfer options. However, based on Coach Smart’s remarks after Saturday’s practice, the restrictions were meant to serve as a public statement of policy rather than being specific to Turman. Smart said that Turman never requested to transfer to one of the restricted schools, therefore, in Turman’s case the restrictions are moot.
 
 
All transfers to SEC schools are restricted by league rule, and Smart has added Miami the restricted list. The head coach also reminded the assembled media that his transfer decisions are not final. Any athlete may appeal his transfer decision(s). Upon appeal the case is removed from Smart’s decision making power.