DAWG Corner Ineligible for '07

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Georgia's Oliver can't make grades, bound for pros


May 17, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports


ATHENS, Ga. -- Paul Oliver wanted to return for his senior season at Georgia. Poor grades will force the cornerback to get started on his pro career. Oliver, one of the key players on the Bulldogs' defense, failed to meet academic standards and was declared ineligible to play this season, the school said Thursday.

He plans to petition the NFL for entry into its July supplemental draft after initially passing up the chance to leave school early.

"We'll miss him for sure," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "Of course, he could have made a decision to leave for the draft immediately after his junior season. He was aware there could be risks, but he decided to continue in school and get closer to his degree."

Last season, Oliver had three interceptions, two sacks and was the team's fifth-leading tackler. He started 15 games in his college career. Shortly after leading the Bulldogs with nine tackles in their Chick-fil-A Bowl upset of Virginia Tech, Oliver announced that he would stay at Georgia.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service