ATHENS – Detric Bing-Dukes is leaving Georgia for more playing time, where he wasn’t going to get it at a very deep inside linebacker position.

Bing-Dukes redshirted last year as a freshman, where he spent much of the time at fullback. He moved back to inside linebacker, but was buried on the depth chart there.

“I love Georgia and appreciate the opportunity I had to be a Bulldogs,” Bing-Dukes said in a statement released by the school. “However, I think my opportunities to play and contribute more will be better at another school.”

Coach Mark Richt said there wasn’t thought given to moving Bing-Dukes back to fullback, indicating that was the player’s call.

“The first time around he was very good to go over there and give it a go. But his heart’s at linebacker. And I really respect this kid. He really does love Georgia, he was very kind of sad to leave. But he loves football too, he loves to play. He just felt like he might have a better opportunity elsewhere.”

Richt compared it to his son Jon, who transferred from Clemson after a year because of playing time. Jon Richt ended up at Mars Hill, a Division III school.

“He ended up being a four-year starter and had a great experience, and I wish the same for Detric,” Richt said.