Former Georgia safety Tray Matthews, who was dismissed from the team earlier this month, confirmed to ESPN.com that he will indeed transfer to SEC rival Auburn and receive a full scholarship. He will sit out the upcoming season before becoming eligible to play for Gus Malzahn's Tigers in 2015.
Matthews first tweeted the news Saturday afternoon:
I'm truly blessed for this opportunity and second chance that God and Coach Gus has blessed me with. I'm excited and ready to Excel at AU
- TriggaTray28 (@Trigga_Tray28) June 14, 2014
Ready to be an Auburn Man. I'm very humbled by all that has happened . Truly blessed. Au family and fans we in this together. WDE!! #Blessed
- TriggaTray28 (@Trigga_Tray28) June 14, 2014
Matthews considered both Auburn and Louisville before making his final decision. The former ESPN 300 star, who was a frequent visitor to the Plains in high school, recently made a return trip after his dismissal.
As a freshman, Matthews started six games and finished with 36 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. He'll have an opportunity to play early with starters Robenson Therezie and Jermaine Whitehead both graduating after this season.
He becomes the fourth Georgia player to transfer this offseason, joining the likes of Josh Harvey-Clemons, Uriah LeMay and Shaquille Wiggins. LeMay and Matthews were involved in theft-by-deception scheme back in March while Harvey-Clemons, who was dismissed from the team, and Wiggins both ended up at Louisville.
For Auburn, Matthews becomes the second SEC player this offseason to transfer in. Former Ole Miss Rebels offensive lineman Austin Golson announced his intention to play for the Tigers last month so he could be closer to his family.
