The college football spring transfer portal window opens Tuesday, and Georgia got its first news a bit early: Andrew Paul, a second-year running back, told On3Sports that he will be entering the portal.

It’s not a huge shock: Georgia has seven scholarship running backs, and Paul was at best third on the depth chart. But he had shown promise after missing his freshman season when he tore his ACL during 2022 preseason practice.

Paul appeared in seven games last year, rushing for 129 yards. In Saturday’s spring game, he had runs of 16 and 24 yards, plus a 1-yard touchdown. The signs were good that he would get carries this season, including in the season opener against Clemson.

But Paul apparently was looking for a place with a bigger guaranteed role, this season and beyond. Georgia signed three tailbacks in the 2024 class, including Nate Frazier, a top-100 recruit who will arrive this summer.

Due to SEC transfer rules, Paul cannot transfer within the SEC and play this fall. A native of Texas, he could head closer to home. Georgia State would be an option if Paul were willing, as Dell McGee, who recruited him to Georgia, is now that program’s coach.