Three lesser-known members of last year's "Dream Team" signing class at the University of Georgia were dismissed from the program Friday morning.
Receiver Sanford Seay and cornerbacks Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders were informed of their departures in a meeting with coach Mark Richt. Georgia only cited a violation of team rules, but it was discovered recently that Seay had stolen money from another student in his dormitory.
Marshall has been linked with Seay and the theft, but it is unknown whether Sanders was involved as well.
"It's a privilege to play college football and to be a part of this team and university," Richt said. "Along with that privilege comes certain responsibilities. Mistakes were made, and part of our job is helping them learn from mistakes.
"Going forward, we are committed to assisting them find opportunities where they can continue their education."
The departures of Marshall and Sanders should result in former Ridgeland High standout Devin Bowman working this spring with Damian Swann as the second-string cornerbacks behind Sanders Commings and Branden Smith. Commings was arrested last month on a domestic violence/simple battery charge following a late-night incident involving a former girlfriend in downtown Athens, and disciplinary action has not been announced by Richt.
Bowman said in December that he thought he had a better chance of seeing the field in 2012 as a punt returner than a cornerback.
Georgia's 2011 signing class consisted of 26 players, with 19 from the Peach State. Defensive lineman Chris Mayes failed to qualify and spent this past season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Friday's announcement brings the number of in-state signees from last year's class down to 15.
Marshall hails from Rochelle and was Rivals.com's No. 15 athlete prospect nationally a year ago. Sanders is from Tucker and was the No. 24 athlete prospect, while Seay, who's from Leesburg, was the No. 68 receiver.
Seay redshirted this past season and played on the scout team, while Sanders got in the first three games and tallied two tackles before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Marshall played in 13 games, mostly on special teams, and amassed five tackles.
Odds and ends
Former Bulldogs safety Jakar Hamilton, who made five starts in 2010 but left the program this past September, is now playing at South Carolina State. ... Offensive tackle Zach Debell, who signed last year and redshirted, underwent ankle surgery last week but is expected to participate in spring practice. ... Georgia's Pro Day has been set for March 5.