John Theus is starting right he wants to be on the Georgia offensive line.  The junior offensive lineman from Jacksonville, Fla. is making the move to left tackle after spending the previous two seasons at right tackle.

Not only is Theus guarding Hutson Mason’s blindside on Saturday, but it comes with a hellish first task: contain Clemson’s All-American defensive end Vic Beasley.

Theus struggled last year; he was replaced just five games into the season and returned to start at right tackle.

“I’m looking forward to this year so I can forget about some of the things from last year,” Theus said in a recent interview with the Athens Banner-Herald. 

Though he didn’t face Beasley or Jadaveon Clowney last season, Theus struggled with Auburn star Dee Ford.  The eventual first round pick had a sack and six quarterback hurries in the Auburn win last November.

Head coach Mark Richt released his depth chart for the Clemson game on Monday, and Theus was listed as the starting left tackle.  Offensive line coach Will Friend said Theus had a “good camp.”

Theus was a five-star tackle coming out of the Bolles School in Jacksonville.  Now, some of his teammates are finally starting to see the work to realize his potential.

“I feel like he wanted to prove that he’s an outstanding offensive tackle and he’s gifted enough athletically that he could shine this year that he could do all that and so much more this season,” linebacker Jordan Jenkins told the Banner-Herald.

Offensive line coach Will Friend has molded a young, inexperienced offensive line that could be better than expected for the Bulldogs this year.

Theus has learned some new techniques from Friend so far in camp.

“He’s got a little bit better body control, has improved his strength since last year and he’s in better shape,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.

Theus has put in the work, now it’s about getting game experience and settling down in the offense.

Mason will be making just his fourth career start.  Thus, the Bulldog offensive front, including Theus, must play better than in 2013 if Georgia will have any shot to beat Clemson.  The Tigers had four sacks in last year’s contest at Death Valley, including two by Beasley who Theus will be pitted against on Saturday.

“He’s a good player, an All-American and he deserves it.  He showed that last year.  I’m going to have my hands full.  I’m going to have to be on the top of my game.”