Georgia Bulldogs: New Leader on Offensive Line?

The 2015 Georgia Bulldogs have to replace longtime C David Andrews on the offensive line this season, as he is now with the NFL’s New England Patriots. Not only was Andrews the most seasoned member of the strong 2014 UGA O-Line but he was also the vocal leader of the Georgia offense on last year’s 10-3 team.

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Fortunately for HC Mark Richt and new OC Brian Schottenheimer, the Georgia Bulldogs return 4 of their 5 starters on the offensive line: Tackles John Theus and Kolton Houston and Guards Greg Pyke and Brandon Kublanow. Knowing that all are likely starters for the Dawgs in 2015, who replaces Andrews as the unit’s undisputed leader?

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A strong case could be made for all four linemen. Kublanow appears to have the most versatility of any of the four returning starters. Though he played guard last season, Kublanow has been a center in high school and could very well win the starting center job over Isaiah Wynn and Hunter Long.

Richt may like to keep Brandon at guard since he improved there as the season progressed and to reinforce continuity on the offensive line, opting to use a new starter at center than having Kublanow switch positions. Though he is the youngest of the four returning starters on the offensive line should Kublanow take over at center, he could command the a leadership role within the unit as the anchor at the center position. Remember that Brandon Kublanow was the number two overall rated center coming out of high school in 2013.

Kolton Houston perhaps has overcome the most adversity to get his starting job. While in high school in Buford, Houston received a cortisone-like injection in his shoulder blade that contained traces of PED’s unknown to him and his family. After waiting several seasons for the trace amounts to dissipate from his system, Kolton was finally allowed the opportunity to play Between the Hedges in 2013.

The NCAA granted Houston a rare sixth season of collegiate eligibility to play for the Dawgs one last season. His mental toughness to get to this point and strong play at right tackle could make Kolton Houston the Georgia Bulldogs emotional leader on the offensive line in 2015.

Greg Pyke in my opinion is the third best player on the entire 2015 Georgia Bulldogs team behind only OLB Leonard Floyd and RB Nick Chubb. Pyke blew me away with his agility and football savvy as a starting guard in 2014. This former high school lacrosse player from Maryland has NFL talent and could lead by example on the O-Line this fall.

But to me the guy that is the assumed new leader of the Dawgs offensive line is Senior LT John Theus. Theus came to Athens as a Top 25 recruit out of Jacksonville in the Class of 2012. John has been a starter for the Dawgs almost his entire time in Athens. Mark Richt and former OC Mike Bobo could throw Theus into the fire as a blind side protector as early as sophomore year.

Perhaps Dawg Nation overhyped John Theus as its greatest offensive line prospect in 10 years when he signed with Georgia in 2012. Many thought John would go pro after three seasons. But having to go against some of the best pass rushers in the country in the SEC has given Theus fresh perspective.

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