Georgia Football’s Offensive Line Taking Shape
Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports
The Georgia Bulldogs‘ offensive line is finally shaping up, and not a moment too soon.
After losing Dallas Lee, Chris Burnette and Kenarious Gates from last year’s unit, coach Will Friend had some decisions to make this offseason. The only guaranteed spot seemed to belong to the reigning starting center, David Andrews. The other four positions were tenuous at best, and while some players have considerable game experience, inconsistency removed them from the field during some games.
Two of those inconsistent players from last season were John Theus and Kolton Houston. Both of these players have come on strong, and Theus will man the coveted left tackle position when this season kicks off. Houston is in a dead heat with Brandon Kublanow and Watts Dantzler for the left guard and right tackle positions. All three players will see the field in 2014.
Greg Pyke has owned the right guard position since spring and nothing has changed on that front. Pyke’s transformation has been the talk of camp, and the sophomore from Baltimore, MD is continuing to wow coaches with his athleticism and size combination (6-foot-6, 321 pounds). He has virtually been unstoppable, and the Dawgs are excited to see what he can do in a live game situation.
Mark Beard will likely be backing up at one of the tackle positions. Beard is a senior with game experience and has proven reliable when called upon. Two true freshmen, Isaiah Wynn and Dyshon Sims, are apparently ready to see the field and can be counted on to contribute in 2014. Wynn and Sims were early commitments for the class of 2013, and it appears that their decision to come to Athens is paying dividends for both sides.
The Dawgs’ offensive attack needs these linemen to perform at a high level and protect Hutson Mason, as well as open lanes for Todd Gurley to rush his way to a Heisman nomination. If the reports surfacing are true, this could be the most athletic Georgia offensive line in recent memory. Maybe this will translate to a trip to Atlanta in December.
Brad Stephens is an SEC Football writer for www.Rantsports.com. Feel free to follow on Twitter @bradstephens320 or add him to your Google network.
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