Rocker no longer Bulldogs’ DL coach

ATHENS — Tracy Rocker left Georgia after three years as defensive line coach.

The circumstances of Rocker’s departure are not clear. A team spokesman simply confirmed Rocker was “no longer with the program.” He becomes the first member of coach Kirby Smart’s staff to leave this offseason.

Rocker was on a oneyear contract that paid him $525,000 this year, making him the fourth-highestpaid coach on the staff, after defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and offensive line coach Sam Pittman.

Despite a young defensive line this past season, Georgia finished fourth in the SEC in run defense, and Rocker’s defensive linemen combined for 11.5 sacks.

Rocker was one of two holdovers from Mark Richt’s staff, the other being outside linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer. Rocker was hired as part of the overhaul of the defensive staff after the 2013 season, replacing Chris Wilson, who was with the staff for one year.

A native of metro Atlanta, Rocker was an All-American at Auburn. He went on to a short NFL career as a player, then embarked on a coaching career at numerous NFL and college stops. But the Georgia job marked his first return to his home state.

Georgia had a young but talented defensive line last season. Trent Thompson was named the defensive MVP of the Liberty Bowl, fellow sophomore Jonathan Ledbetter had a strong season after opening with a six-game suspension, and freshmen Julian Rochester, David Marshall and Tyler Clark all showed strong flashes.

Last week Georgia signed two defensive linemen, Devonte Wyatt and Malik Herring.

G-Day game to be televised: It remains to be seen whether a full house will again be at Georgia’s spring game, but apparently those at home will still be able to see it.

The SEC Network plans to air G-Day at 2 p.m. April 22, according to a schedule posted on ESPN’s website. (ESPN runs the SEC Network.)

Georgia’s spring game is one of many listed on the schedule, with Alabama’s set to be broadcast at 3 p.m. on ESPN. Last year every SEC spring game was on television, so it stands to reason that it will be the case again this year.

Last year G-Day was broadcast on ESPNU. Smart’s first spring game as Georgia’s coach became more renowned for Georgia fans coming through on the “93k day” turnout goal, Ludacris’ pregame performance, and then-freshman Jacob Eason having a standout performance.

This year no grand plans or goals have been announced for the game yet. But Eason will be back, along with new freshman quarterback Jake Fromm.

Aide leaves for SEC school: There is more coaching news at Georgia, this one adding to the subplots when Mississippi State visits this September.

D.J. Looney, who spent 2016 as a graduate assistant at Georgia, is returning to Mississippi State, his alma mater, reports Bruce Feldman of FoxSports.com.

Looney, who was an offensive lineman at Mississippi State, helped Georgia’s offensive line this year. He will be working with Mississippi State’s tight ends and offensive linemen, Feldman reports.