The Georgia football secondary got a big boost heading into 2019.

Junior safety J.R. Reed — perhaps the most prepared of the UGA  juniors who were considering the NFL draft —  announced on Sunday night he’s returning for his senior season.

On Friday, four juniors declared for the 2019 NFL Draft: tight Isaac Nauta, wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley and running back Elijah Holyfield.

Underclassmen have until Jan. 14 to declare for the upcoming NFL Draft, which takes place April 25-27 in Nashville. The NFL combine is Feb. 26 through March 4 in Indianapolis.

Reed, a junior who transferred to Georgia from Tulsa, was a team captain who started all 14 games at safety this season. He was second on the team with 66 tackles, Reed also had interceptions against Alabama and South Carolina this season.

Reed came up big against the Tide, leading the team with eight tackles in the Bulldogs’ narrow 35-28 loss in the SEC Championship Game.

Reed was the leading tackler in the Sugar Bowl, as well, making eight stops in the 28-21 loss to Texas.

Reed started all 15 games as a sophomore, too, and was second on the team in tackles with 79 as UGA marched to the College Football Playoff Championship Game.

The team named Reed the “Newcomer of the Year” at the annual post-season banquet.

Reed sat out the 2016 season after transferring from Tulsa, where he played in 13 games in 2015.

Reed’s father, Jake, spent 12 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. He is also cousin’s with Deangelo Gibbs, who is currently not with the team.

Reed, who has graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Georgia, said during his Sugar Bowl interviews he would lean heavily on his father for advice on his future.

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