Dean Legge reports that Georgia junior offensive guard Tanner Strickland will not return for his senior season. Strickland will graduate following spring semester.

Strickland played quite a bit in 2008 as a redshirt freshman, but shoulder surgery kept him out for the better part of 2009. Though he played in all 13 games in 2010, those lingering shoulder issues were enough cause for Strickland to move on after graduation.

The loss of an older lineman like Strickland is softened somewhat by the decision of Cordy Glenn to return. Strickland might have been a candidate to start or at least contribute at right guard, but the staff at least has other options to consider with Glenn holding down his guard spot. Faced with a similar choice this year, the staff instead turned to true freshman Kenarious Gates.

The biggest concern with the departure of an experienced reserve is the possibility of injury elsewhere on the line. Depth at guard becomes a little thinner and younger, and it’s time for the next wave of linemen to start making an impact. You also hate to lose good seniors for their leadership and experience value. If nothing else, Strickland’s decision gives the staff another scholarship to work with this year.