ATHENS — Georgia cornerback signee Daran Branch is returning to the Bulldogs football team after a lengthy absence, per a DawgNation source.

Branch, a 3-star prospect from Amite, La., was a late flip from Ole Miss is Georgia’s 2020 signing class. He returned to Louisiana in July, following the team’s voluntary workouts during the team’s summer access period.

DawgNation broke the news earlier this week that Branch was no longer practicing with the team. The 247Sports Network was the first to report that Branch was returning to the team.

Branch was the nation’s No. 51 cornerback per the 247Sports composite, and the No. 29 player in Louisiana.

The Bulldogs would seem to be over the 85-scholarship limit per the team’s online roster, which has not been updated since the start of fall camp.

Coach Kirby Smart said it’s his policy not to discuss the 85-man roster. Smart also was among the SEC coaches who did not provide a dress list for football games last season.

It could be difficult to know who on his team is on scholarship, and who has been asked to pay their own way to remain on the team.

Branch’s return helps get Georgia’s numbers at the cornerback position.

Kelee Ringo, a 5-star defensive back prospect, suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery earlier in fall camp.

Here’s a look at the defensive backs by class:

Senior (3)

STAR Mark Webb

S Richard LeCounte

CB D.J. Daniel

RS Junior  (4)

STAR William Poole

CB Eric Stokes

CB Ameer Speed

S Latavious Brini

Junior (2)

CB Tyson Campbell

S Chris Smith

Sophomore (2)

STAR Tyrique Stevenson

S Lewis Cine

Freshman (4)

CB Daran Branch

CB Jalen Kimber

CB Kelee Ringo

S Major Burns

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