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With one of the SEC’s most veteran-laden offensive lines this fall, many are expecting Georgia to dominate up front in the Eastern Division.
The lone newcomer expected to handle first-team duties among a group returning four starters? Sophomore Isaiah Wynn, a reserve guard last season who has since made the switch to center, replacing multi-year contributor and All-SEC standout David Andrews.
Wynn worked with the starting unit during Georgia’s first two scrimmages and is feeling pressure applied by fifth-year senior Hunter Long and Brandon Kublanow in a three-player race that likely won’t be decided until fall.
“Center’s a lot like a quarterback. There’s a little more weight on those guys,” first-year offensive line coach Rob Sale told the Ledger-Enquirer last week. “Right now, we’re getting three guys that I feel confident in. And we’ve got guys signed where I think one could be a fourth guy. So I think we’ll be OK.”
Wynn made one start as a freshman, working as a primary backup behind one of the SEC’s top lines. The former four-star prospect out of Florida is adjusting well to his new role, but admits there were fewer intricacies and elements to remember playing inside last season instead of in the middle of the offense.
Before this spring, Wynn had never played the center position at any level of football.
“Really, having to know all the plays and everybody’s assignment,” Wynn said. “Because you’re really not only responsible for the offensive line, but you also have to know safeties and all that stuff, all the blitzes that are coming.”
Sale said last week the Bulldogs will continue to develop three players at center and hopefully have a starter in mind by the end of spring ball.
“Isaiah has kept moving forward and he’s on the up-climb,” Sale said. “He didn’t take a step back the next day which is a good thing. You want to see him constantly get better from the day before and he did do that.”
