According to an announcement Thursday by Mark Richt, Georgia redshirt sophomore inside linebacker Brandon Burrows has decided to transfer in a quest to find more playing time.

“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 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. I know I’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of coaches and players that will develop into the leaders and friends that I have known here in Athens.”

Burrows, a four-star recruit from 2010 who has a history of injuries dating back to his senior season at Walton High School, missed the 2011 season with a shoulder injury. He redshirted as a freshman, so he never played a down for the Bulldogs.

“Brandon is an outstanding person, student-athlete and has a wonderful family,” Richt said. “We’ve enjoyed having him as part of our program and will provide whatever assistance we can in his transition. I am completely understanding of his decision and wish him nothing but the best.”

Burrows departure leaves the Bulldogs with 74 players on scholarship, which includes five former walk-ons who were granted scholarships last year.