Head coach Kirby Smart announced Thursday afternoon that Deandre Baker has decided to sit out the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Despite some mixed reviews from fans, Baker’s teammates seem to be supportive, especially Jonathan Ledbetter.

The fellow senior told the media how much he supports his decision and how Baker handled the whole situation.

“I support my teammate 100 percent. He talked to us, and he talked to his family. I’ve got to support him,” Ledbetter stated. “He is just in a situation where he is really blessed right now, and he is where he needs to be. I’m just happy that he talked to us about it and got our input and we support him.”

Without Baker on the field, Ledbetter talks about how the secondary will likely work it out against the Longhorns.

“The crazy thing about the secondary is you have to work as a unit, so it doesn’t matter who you put in that position. We have the athletes across the board to be successful,” Ledbetter said. “I think communication is a factor and making sure everybody is on the same page when you’re in there. Our defense is scheme based so if you can fit into the scheme and communicate well and listen to the people in there with you then you will be fine. It will be a fun game.”

The young bucks behind Baker will get the chance to show the world what they can do Tuesday evening. Losing Baker for this game is a tough one to swallow, but with the recent recruiting in the secondary, the Bulldogs will likely be in excellent hands. Georgia will face Texas on Jan. 1 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m.