Michael Lemon’s loss became Georgia football’s loss.

When his mother, Phaba Lemon, was murdered in February, the football community summoned its support to help out a teammate.

“It’s a strong family atmosphere here,” Lemon said. “Everybody tries to support everybody. When one player goes down, everybody else holds him up. That’s basically what we’re doing on this team. If anybody on the team or at UGA has a problem, everybody will rally to hold them up until they can hold up themselves.”

Phaba Lemon was found dead after her home was set on fire. Police charged her boyfriend, Herbert Hart Jr. with her murder.

In response, the University Athletic Association set up the NCAA-approved “Lemon Support Fund,” which has helped raise $69,508 in donations to cover any expenses Lemon needs while in school.

Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez said the community’s support has been encouraging.

“It’s been important for him that he’s had a good support system here along with at home, too,” Martinez said. “We’ve been there for him and I think he’s responded well. He’s working hard and everything with him is positive.”

When Lemon returned to the Bulldogs in March, cornerback Asher Allen said the players wanted to make sure his spirits were high through his heartache.

“We wanted to make sure he was OK out here and let him know we’re his second family out here,” Allen said. “It was a great time when he came back because it was like we were missing a brother.”

After losing his mother, Lemon said football became a “release” for him in order to better prepare himself for the upcoming season.

“When you come out (on the field), you have to be totally focused on football or else you won’t be competitive,” Lemon said. “You’ve got to get better and do what you need to do on the field. So I’ve got to separate football from everything else for the hours I’m out there.”

Allen added that the way Lemon has handled everything speaks volumes about the redshirt freshman.

“He came back out here and he doesn’t take no for an answer out here on the field. It just shows the type of character that he has and it shows what type of person he is more than anything,” Allen said.