ATHENS— Georgia senior offensive tackle Mark Beard has changed his mind and will not transfer to another school for his final year of eligibility.

An NCAA rule allows players to transfer without sitting out a year after completing graduating requirements. Beard plans to graduate this summer.

Georgia announced Thursday Beard planned to transfer for his 2014 season. On Friday, coach Mark Richt said Beard will complete his eligibility at Georgia.

Richt accepted Beard's decision. Richt says he had a similar change of heart as a quarterback at Miami when he told his position coach he planned to leave school but changed his mind a few days later.

Beard has played in 26 games, including two starts, in his two seasons at Georgia following his transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.