Dismissed Dog Crowell now at Alabama State

photo Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell has been suspended while he faces gun charges.

Isaiah Crowell enrolled Thursday at Alabama State, less than a week after the touted tailback was dismissed by Georgia football coach Mark Richt following an arrest on three weapons charges, including two felonies.

If the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder from Columbus, Ga., avoids jail time, he will be eligible to play for the Hornets this year. Crowell is scheduled to start classes Monday.

"We actively researched Isaiah both as a person as well as an athlete," Hornets coach Reggie Barlow said. "We are aware of his current issues, but we also believe in helping young people. We believe that Isaiah has learned from his circumstances and that he will be a quality student-athlete at Alabama State."

Crowell, who was named Southeastern Conference freshman of the year after rushing for 850 yards last season, was arrested early last Friday morning at an Athens-Clarke County Police checkpoint on campus when an officer found a 9mm Luger pistol under his seat. He faces felony charges of possessing a weapon on school property and possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, and he faces a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

Having a weapon on school property can carry a sentence of two to 10 years, while having a firearm with an altered ID can have a sentence of one to five years. Crowell has hired Atlanta-based attorney Steve Sadow, who is handling his case pro bono.

Burrows transferring

The Bulldogs bid farewell to a less-heralded player Thursday when redshirt sophomore linebacker Brandon Burrows announced he was transferring. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder from Marietta never got in a game for Georgia, missing last season after undergoing surgery for chronic shoulder instability in August.

"I came out of high school playing the defensive end position in a 4-3 defense, which is what I truly love," Burrows said. "The coaching change [at defensive coordinator from Willie Martinez to Todd Grantham] here led to a 3-4 defense. I have worked with that transition but decided that I want to get back to playing defensive end.

"I think another program may give me the best opportunity to succeed at that. I'm eternally gratefully for the opportunity Coach Richt has given me at UGA and for the fact that he gave me an unconditional release."

Richt said he is "completely understanding" of the player's decision and offered to provide whatever assistance he could in the transition.

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