For UGA, Andrews provides stability to offensive front
Mark Richt has to be one of the luckiest coaches in the country. For most college football coaches, instability on the offensive line is their worst nightmare.
For the past seven seasons, Richt has not had to worry about who will be snapping the football. Entering his senior season, his third as a starter, David Andrews in the unquestioned leader and anchor to a Bulldog offensive line somewhat in flux. Prior to Andrews, Richt had now-Houston Texan Ben Jones for four years.
Mike Bobo’s offense has been historically prolific the past two seasons, setting program records for the most yards per game in each of the past two years. Sure, there was Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley, Malcolm Mitchell and others. But the cornerstone of it all is the 6-foot-2, 294-pound center from Johns Creek, Ga.
Andrews has been named to the Remington and Outland Trophy watch lists, and can usher along younger, more inexperienced lineman around him and new quarterback Hutson Mason.
“I’ve got a pretty good grip of what we’re trying to do play-wise,” Andrews told the Athens-Banner Herald.
“It’s kind of like having another coach on the field,” Mason added.
It’s likely Andrews will have two first-year starters on either side of him in freshman Isaiah Wynn at left guard and Greg Pyke at right guard.
Richt says Andrews’ football acumen has a ripple effect for those around him in game situations, praising his “ability to get everybody lined up, get everybody on the right blocking schemes, even help the quarterback at times.”
Richt and Bobo know they have to develop depth and an eventual successor to Andrews. For now, however, Andrews will be right there on Saturdays looking to help his offense set more Georgia records.