Georgia Bulldogs: Offensive Line, Catalyst For Productivity

The Georgia Bulldogs return 4 of 5 up front on their offensive line entering 2015. The only changes being made to the starting five are that Sophomore Isaiah Wynn will likely play left guard for the group, while former left guard Junior Brandon Kublanow will take over at center for the departed David Andrews.

With every practice and scrimmage held by the Georgia Bulldogs this offseason, it is becoming more clear that this unit will have another special season in 2015. I view last year’s group as the best offensive line for the Dawgs since 2009. Perhaps 2015’s O-Line outperforms both recently strong units.

The two offensive captains named for the home opener against the ULM Warhawks on Saturday, September 5th are the starting offensive tackles for the Dawgs: Senior LT John Theus and Sixth-Year Senior RT Kolton Houston. By naming both senior tackles as the first offensive captains of the year means that Head Coach Mark Richt thinks very highly of his edge setters.

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Previously I’ve mentioned my respect for RG Greg Pyke’s game. He is now starting to get some name recognition in the conference as a preseason All-SEC 2nd Team member as a RS Junior. Kublanow hopefully makes as smooth of a transition as possible from guard to center as a Junior this fall. He was the number two overall center prospect in the 2013 High School Graduating Class, so I’m confident he will do just fine anchoring the interior this fall.

Isaiah Wynn has certainly turned heads with his strong and versatile play this fall. As a true sophomore, Wynn contended for the starting center gig that ultimately went to Kublanow, earned the left guard spot vacated by Kublanow, and is starting to get some reps at tackle on the outside should anything happen to either Houston or Theus. Having the ability to play all five offensive line positions as only a sophomore further illustrates how special of a player Isaiah Wynn could be as a Georgia Bulldog.

The depth behind the starting five is coming into form with Senior Hunter Long as a very strong rotational interior piece. He’ll fill that void left by super sub Watts Dantzler who is now in the NFL. Kendall Baker and Dyshon Sims are very highly in the mix according to Offensive Line Coach Rob Sale earlier in the summer. Expect both to contribute up front in some capacity as important pieces in the UGA O-Line rotation this fall.

The reason I’m so excited for this unit to have another strong year is that having a great offensive line makes an okay offense look even better. We all know that Mark Richt’s Georgia Bulldogs will run the football early and often this fall. By having great run blocking up front, any of our five featured tailbacks (Nick Chubb, Brendan Douglas, Keith Marshall, Sony Michel, and A.J. Turman) can have consistently solid rushing attempts.

Strong pass protection should only help whoever wins the starting quarterback job in his first season under center. A reliable pocket is usually a quarterback’s best friend. Having ample time to deliver vertical strikes should only improve our new passer’s confidence. By giving the passer more time than most, it will the deep tight end group and the new-look wide receivers group have better opportunities to get open and make plays in space.

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