Kirby Smart says Trenton Thompson will return to class at Georgia
It appears that Georgia defensive tackle Trenton Thompson will be back on the field this fall.
Thompson withdrew from classes in February after what UGA called a “significant medical issue.” Specifically, the school said Thompson had “an adverse reaction to medications prescribed specifically for his medical condition.” Now more than three months later, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said on Monday’s SEC teleconference that Thompson is set to return to campus later this summer ahead of preseason camp.
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Per UGASports.com, Thompson did not participate in spring practice but was around the team while rehabbing from shoulder surgery he had earlier this year.
“He is there in May but not currently in Maymester (classes) but not many are,” Smart said. “He’s continuing to rehab his shoulder and he will be back in summer school.
“Trenton has done a great job rehabbing his shoulder, he’s better. He’s able to move a lot better now than he was before. Medically, he’s done really well.”
[More college football from Yahoo Sports: SEC spring practice summaries]
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Thompson, who played in all 13 games for the Bulldogs as a sophomore in 2016, withdrew from classes after an incident where he was found wandering on a roadway near campus. Police said Thompson “appeared very unsteady on his feet.” He also had “very bloodshot” eyes. The police report said Thompson later told an officer, who asked if he was on medication, that he had taken “two oxies” (OxyContin).
Thompson was subsequently taken to a local hospital for medical care.
“The adverse reaction required emergency transport to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released,” Georgia’s statement said.
The school’s statement also said “toxicology tests were negative for OxyContin.”
Thompson started seven games for the Bulldogs in 2016 season, totaling 56 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He was the MVP of the team’s Liberty Bowl win over TCU when he had eight tackles and three sacks. He is slated to be a key piece on the team’s defense in 2017.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
