Georgia Southern is set to get the first crack at national No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, but the Eagles will do so without the services of former Hillsborough High standout Ricky Ponton, who is no longer with the team.

According to a release from the school’s athletic department, Ponton “is no longer a member of the Georgia Southern team due to medical reasons. According to coach [Chris] Hatcher, Ponton underwent surgery on his knee following spring practice and would not be ready for the 2008 season.”

Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia was unsure whether Ponton, a redshirt junior running back, would attempt to join another program.

Ponton was previously with the University of South Florida but left the program prior to the 2007 season. He rushed for 679 career yards in two season with the Bulls.

Ponton was a two-way standout at Hillsborough High, playing linebacker and running back. As a senior with the Terriers during the 2003 season, Ponton rushed for 1,460 and 23 touchdowns to earn Tribune All-Hillsborough County first team honors.

Ponton’s borther, Marc Thomas, is a freshman linebacker at Georgia Southern. Thomas is one of two local players on the Eagles’ roster, joining former Brandon High standout Samir Baker, who is a freshman receiver.

Tribune reporter Bill Ward contributed to this report.