Georgia Bulldogs: Who will be the next left tackle?
The Georgia Bulldogs are searching for a left tackle to replace four-year starter John Theus. New coach Kirby Smart knows this is an important position and the right selection could mean who protects Jacob Eason’s blindside.
The left tackle position is one of the most important positions in football. If the Georgia Bulldogs are going to have a successful season, they must find a viable option. Left tackles have the responsibility of keeping the quarterback on their feet and covering the quarterback’s blindside. In his first year as offensive line coach, Sam Pittman is looking to find the right candidate for the job.
Tyler Catalina
Tyler Catalina is an interesting option that Smart and Pittman have coming in to fill the role of left tackle. Catalina is a 6’6 325 pound graduate transfer from the University of Rhode Island. He has one year of eligibility left and wanted the chance to play in the SEC before having the chance to play at the professional level.
Catalina will report to UGA on June 1 with the rest of the 2016 signing class. In his three years playing at Rhode Island, Catalina was one of the most reliable players on the offensive line. He has the size and the strength to make an impact with the Georgia Bulldogs and help the offensive line. If Catalina wants the chance to play immediately, he will have to come in and impress the coaches and prove he can compete.
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Isaiah Wynn
Isaiah Wynn presents the coaches with an interesting option at the tackle spot. What Wynn lacks in size, he makes up for in experience. Wynn played eight games last season at left tackle and was a big surprise with his success at the new position. Wynn was a highly ranked guard prospect out of Florida and that’s where many believed he would end up.
With Wynn only being 6’2 and around 280 pounds, he does not have the ideal size for tackle, but he does have good footwork and uses his hands well. In the spring game, Wynn was getting first team reps at the left tackle position. If the coaching staff feels Wynn would be the best option at tackle, they would be going with the reliable choice.
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Kendall Baker
Kendall Baker’s journey so far as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs has been an interesting one to say the least. Baker was recruited as a defensive lineman out of The Marist School in Atlanta. Baker has spent the past two seasons practicing with the offensive line. He has the size at 6’6 310 pounds to excel at tackle.
Baker might have to improve on his footwork and his technique, but he has experience in college and can give the Georgia Bulldogs a proven worker. If Baker wants to win the job, he will have to show the coaches what he has learned in the past and improve upon it.
Prediction- Tyler Catalina
Fans of the Georgia Bulldogs saw it last year with the quarterback competition. When the team brings in a graduate transfer or junior college player, they are looking for them to be the starter. Catalina has all the intangibles that the coaches are looking for and he has the experience to help the people around him to be better.
Next: Will Chubb Be Ready for Season Opener
With Catalina entrenched at the left tackle spot, Isaiah Wynn can move over to his natural position of left guard and become better at opening holes for the running backs. With Tyler Catalina, the Georgia Bulldogs have found their next great left tackle.