Georgia Football: How UGA’s offensive line turned it around in 2017

Lamont Gaillard has become a legit center:

Another 4th-year player, Gaillard is actually a converted defensive lineman. Last year, he won a guard spot and in all honesty, ended up being the best player on an otherwise terrible unit. He was pretty much the only player who was in the running for the job at center this year. That worried me a bit because it was still a very new position for him.

Gaillard however, has been a real find. Like the rest of the line, he has continued to grow as the season went on. His play has consistently improved with almost every performance and he has found a way to make a real impact. In pass protection, he has held up well, but what has really surprised me is his run blocking.

Coming in at around 300lbs, I never expected him to be much of a mauler. He has however shown a really nasty side this year when it comes to blocking for his backs. I know I showed this yesterday, but he is another view of his block on Swift’s TD run from this weekend. I mean it’s worth watching on a loop because he just absolutely destroys the tackle:

Gaillard redshirted his first year so can come back for one more year. I expect him to do just that because I don’t know if the NFL is going to come calling for him this year. If he does, that means good things for UGA’s line in 2018. You’re in a pretty good spot when you can pencil in a consistent and nasty center. Gaillard gives whoever plays at QB the perfect base to start from.