JONES CLEARED: NCAA clears UGA starting LB

Linebacker Jarvis Jones – and the rest of the Bulldog Nation – received good news from the NCAA on Tuesday. The sophomore from Columbus was told he didn’t violate NCAA rules when an administrator in the Columbus parks system provided benefits to him in 2009. Jones, at the time, was preparing to attend the University of Southern California, where he had signed to play out of high school. Since, Jones transferred to Georgia and has been preparing to start at outside linebacker this season after sitting out last year due to transfer rules.

“I appreciate the work of our compliance office for its time and effort in providing a thorough, comprehensive report and I’m thankful for the timely manner in which the NCAA reviewed and evaluated all the facts to reach a decision,” said head coach Mark Richt in an official release. “We’re ready to move on with preparations for our season opener.”

MAD STORK AWARD …

Senior defensive end DeAngelo Tyson has been named to the Ted Hendricks Award Watch list. The trophy is given to the nation’s top defensive end. Former Georgia star David Pollack won the award twice and is the only two-time winner.

Last season, Tyson started 12 of 13 games and had four tackles for loss. He set a career-high with 16 tackles against Georgia Tech. The Statesboro native is one of three SEC players on the 35-man list and has also been named 2011 preseason second-team All-SEC by the coaches.

PICTURE DAY …

The annual Fans’ Picture Day will take place Saturday in Athens at Reed Plaza near Sanford Stadium. Players, coaches and, yes, Russ the mascot will be there to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Football players and head coach Mark Richt will be there to sign between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. while other Georgia sports teams will be signing between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Due to recent issues regarding student-athlete autograph around college athletics, no outside items can be brought to Picture Day. The UGA athletic department will provide fans with two free schedule posters to be signed by players and coaches.

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