Richard Samuel is on the move again.

The Georgia junior is returning to tailback to help a position that lost its top two rushers from last season with the departures of Washuan Ealey and Caleb King.

The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Samuel redshirted last season after moving to linebacker.

“After discussions with Richard, his family and our coaches I’m excited that Richard wants to make the move,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said in a statement released late this afternoon. “He’s one of our fastest and most powerful players, is very mature, has a strong character and is a man we can count on. I’m proud of him for always putting the team first and I look forward to seeing what he can do.”

Samuel becomes the fourth scholarship player at the position.

He rushed for 528 yards in two seasons before moving to linebacker after the 2009 season after rushing for 395 yards and two touchdowns.

He started six games that season, including rushing for 104 yards on 16 carries in a win at Arkansas, but was passed on the depth chart and moved to defense after the season.

“I’m excited about the opportunity at tailback,” Samuel said in a statement. “I’m ready to do anything that will help the team win.”

The move comes nearly a week after redshirt seniorKing was declared academically ineligible. Ealey, a junior, parted ways with the program after spring practices.

The move could take some of the pressure off highly-touted freshman Isaiah Crowell.

The Bulldogs also have redshirt freshman Ken Malcome and junior Carlton Thomas at the position.