FIELDS GETS OK TO PLAY FOR OHIO STATE IN 2019

Former Georgia quarterback Justin Fields is eligible to play for Ohio State next season.

The NCAA has granted the former Harrison High standout a waiver that will allow the sophomore to play immediately without sitting out a season as a transfer.

Fields released a statement that read in part:

“Now that this matter is concluded, I would like to clarify some facts. I have no regrets about my time at UGA and have no hard feelings for the school or football program. My overall experience at UGA was fully consistent with UGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. My sister is a softball player at UGA. I am still close friends with many of my UGA teammates. A part of me will always be a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

“To Buckeye Nation: thank you for your warm welcome. I will work hard to represent you and The Ohio State University in a professional and respectful manner. My dad always tells me that ‘you can’t get to where you are going by looking in the “rear view mirror.”’ I’m ready to move forward and embrace the next season of my life.”

Fields appeared in 12 of the Bulldogs’ 14 games before transferring in January.

As a freshman, Fields completed 27 of his 39 pass attempts for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for four touchdowns.

■ All-America cornerback Deandre Baker will be one of nine University of Georgia players participating in the NFL scouting combine later this month in Indianapolis. Baker, the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, will be joined by defensive teammates Jonathan Ledbetter and D’Andre Walker at the combine, which will be Feb. 26-March 4.

Six offensive players will also be there: receivers Terry Godwin, Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley; running back Elijah Holyfield; tight end Isaac Nauta; and center Lamont Gaillard.