Georgia Recruiting: Taking a moment to honor Sam Pittman

Developing the guys he had:

When the 2017 season started, the offensive line was perhaps the biggest concern for Dawg fans. The unit was pretty much a train wreck in 2016 thanks to the substandard play by seniors and there was little hope that this year would be much better. Solomon Kindley and Ben Cleveland had both redshirted in 2016 and so there was hope that one or both of them could contribute.

But the line was still going to rely on players that Pittman had inherited or youngsters. That’s not exactly a recipe for success in the brutal SEC and it didn’t fill people with confidence. Pittman however, took on that challenge and he ran with it.

Isaiah Wynn is 6-2 and just over 300lbs. That’s not the ideal size for an SEC left tackle or Sam Pittman’s scheme. But Wynn thrived in 2017 and was named to the All-SEC 1st team at the lines most prestigious spot. Kendall Baker who was terrible last year held down the left guard spot and played really well in 2017. Lamont Gaillard has become one of the best centers in the nation which is incredible for a former defensive lineman.

And then, on the right side of the line, Pittman played his freshman. Andrew Thomas is impressive when you consider that he only arrived in Athens in June. He held down that spot all year and looks like a future star. Kindley did well at right guard to start the season before Cleveland took the job late and ran with it. The physicality at the point of attack right now is amazing and it’s clear that Pittman has helped all of his players get a lot better.