Georgia Football: Offensive Guards to watch this spring

Justin Shaffer, Sophomore

The final two linemen we are going to look at played in high school together. They also both joined UGA in the 2017 class. Those are the similarities, but after that, things do get rather different. Justin Shaffer is bigger than his former Cedar Grove teammates Netori Johnson and he’s probably a bit stronger as well.

Weighing 345lbs, Shaffer is a big lad. He’s heavier than Solomon Kindley and he uses his weight pretty well. In some ways, he’s more suited to right guard, because he’s stronger than he is quick. However, he does possess good technique and I think he can find a way to get on the field in 2018. Shaffer played in 8 games last year as a reserve lineman.

It’ll be fascinating to see if Shaffer is able to overcome the more experienced Baker and Kindley. He certainly has the talent to and I’m on board with everyone who said that he was underrated in the 2017 class. Yes. he’s not a flashy player by any means. But he is a solid guy who knows how to play the guard position and he has size. I believe he could well be an upgrade from Baker if he continues to improve.

How he practices this year will likely decide where he falls in this line group. I think we could well see him playing right guard on the second unit if he has a good camp. If he’s able to get one of those top four spots, it means he’s a player to keep an eye on.