ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia junior offensive tackle A.J. Harmon will transfer to another institution for his final two seasons in college, UGA coach Mark Richt announced Tuesday.

Harmon missed the Liberty Bowl to end last season while ineligible according to NCAA standards, and academic issues are believed to have played a role in his departure.

UGA's statement said Harmon's move was "for personal reasons."

Originally from Jefferson County High School in Louisville, Ga., Harmon signed with UGA in 2008. After a redshirt season, he appeared as a reserve in seven games the past two years.

The 6-foot-5, 345-pound Harmon was able to practice with the team this past spring and was considered a strong contender for the right tackle spot left vacant by Trinton Sturdivant's ACL injury the week prior to the G-Day Game.

“It’s been three years," Harmon said during spring. "I would hope I’m ready.”

“A.J. is a guy who’s got a lot of talent,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said at the time. “He hasn’t been consistent enough to play like he should. I think he sees it as an opportunity. A lot of times, when an opportunity presents itself like this, guys tend to step up. That’s what we think A.J. will do. He’s got the ability.”

Harmon has been mentioned by Richt at the Dogs' top right tackle prior until recently. During speaking stops last week, Richt switched, instead telling fans Justin Anderson would enter preseason as the starting right tackle with Chris Burnette at right guard.

Richt also said last week that spring semester grades wouldn't be final until Monday.

Asked specifically about grade rumors regarding tailback Caleb King, Richt told Dawgs247 on Thursday that "we expect him to be back" with the team in 2011.