ATHENS -- University of Georgia junior linebacker Richard Samuel of Cass High will return to the tailback position, according to an announcement Thursday by UGA head coach Mark Richt posted on the school's website.
Samuel, who played tailback as a freshman and sophomore, had been moved to linebacker a year ago but injuries led to a redshirt season in 2010.
"After discussions with Richard, his family and our coaches I'm excited that Richard wants to make the move," Richt said. "He's one of our fastest and most powerful players, is very mature, has a strong character and is a man we can count on. I'm proud of him for always putting the team first and I look forward to seeing what he can do."
"I'm excited about the opportunity at tailback," Samuel said. "I'm ready to do anything that will help the team win."
In his two seasons at tailback (2008-09), Samuel played in 22 games including six starts (all in 2009). He carried 114 times for 528 yards and three touchdowns.
Samuel was a star running back for the Colonels and head coach Rick Casko when he was signed by the Bulldogs, for whom he played his first game on Aug. 30, 2008.
He entered the game at 3:02 of the second quarter and carried the ball six times for 34 yards.
Samuel had entered Georgia the previous January and his work had enabled him to climb up the depth chart as he learned the scheme earlier and developed a good relationship with players like Knowshon Moreno and Caleb King.
But the early promise that he showed did not make him the star for the Bulldogs he hoped to become at running back; instead he was moved to the other side of the line last year, when he was eventually redshirted for the Bulldogs.
One thing that did not change, however, was the 6-foot-2, 215-pound player's love for contact. It is that love of contact that could again boost his chances of contributing to the success of the Bulldogs this season.