Ealey reinstated to Georgia team

photo Georgia running back Washaun Ealey. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Several days after learning that quarterback Aaron Murray would be fine for spring practice following a sprained ankle during a pickup soccer game, the Georgia Bulldogs discovered they would have tailback Washaun Ealey back, too.

Ealey has been reinstated to the team after what amounted to a suspension that will last just 20 days. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior from Stillmore, Ga., was banned from all team activities Feb. 8 after failing to show up for a morning run that was punishment-related.

"Over the past few weeks, Washaun has done the things we expect him to do, the things we expect all our players to do," Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said Saturday in a released statement. "He's been doing things the Georgia way and will rejoin team activities Monday."

Spring practice starts for the Bulldogs on March 10.

Ealey rushed for 811 yards and 11 touchdowns on 157 carries last season and set a program record with five rushing scores in the 44-31 win at Kentucky. He also had fumbles inside the opposing 5-yard line in losses at South Carolina and Mississippi State, and he missed last year's opener after getting arrested in late August on charges of hit-and-run of a parked vehicle and driving with a suspended license.

Though he has yet to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, Ealey has a chance to become the first player in Bulldogs history to lead the team in rushing four consecutive years.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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