Former University of Georgia redshirt freshman guard Brent Benedict announced Monday that he will transfer to play football at Virginia Tech.

Benedict left the Bulldogs late last month for personal reasons, according to Georgia coach Mark Richt. He visited Blacksburg last Friday and informed Hokies coach Frank Beamer of his intentions Monday.

The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder from Jacksonville exited spring practice in Athens as the No. 2 right guard behind Chris Burnette. He will have to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Benedict spent last season recovering from a major knee injury he suffered as a senior at The Bolles School. While running down the field to celebrate a touchdown, he tore his ACL, PCL and meniscus.

Despite that setback, Benedict was rated by RIvals.com as the No. 12 tackle and No. 76 overall prospect nationally in the 2010 class.