Branden Smith is back

Mark Richt just announced it. The sophomore cornerback-kick returner has been cleared academically.

Smith missed eight practices with what Richt previously callled unspecified "academic issues."

“I won’t go into any detail other than he’s in good shape academically and will be at practice tomorrow,” Richt said.

Meanwhile, the team lost a defensive back: Safety Quintin Banks, dealing with nagging knee trouble, has decided to stop playing.

Banks, who played rarely the past two seasons, will remain with the team as a student assistant coach.