Georgia Football has a lot of big names in glamorous positions in the 2018 season, but offensive tackle Andrew Thomas might be their number one guy.
There are a lot of players that Georgia Football fans are excited about in 2018. From their 2 young quarterbacks to the running back stable and incredible wide receivers, UGA’s offense on paper looks explosive. But there’s a player who might be more important than any of those this season. The guy who will be holding the left tackle spot for at least the next 2 years in Athens, Andrew Thomas. While nobody seems to talk about him, UGA is rather lucky, because Thomas is pretty damn good.
If you want to know how under the radar Andrew Thomas is, consider this. The picture that headlines this story is the only one I can find of him on Getty images. When I search his name, all I end up with is pictures of some golfer called Justin Thomas. I had to scroll through Jake Fromm pictures to find anything that had Thomas even in it. Much like in football, he’s not the focus of the picture, but instead, there he is in the background, massive as ever.
Thomas’ development last season was a highlight for me. How often do true freshmen offensive tackles come in and look that good? Is it just me or is it even more incredible considering we play in the freaking SEC! For those of you who don’t remember, Thomas, improved as the year went on in 2017. By the time we got to the postseason, he was performing at a very high level. He did a great job of holding his own against a highly talented Alabama defensive front in the National Championship game.
Players like Thomas are rare. He’s still just a teenager but he already looks like he’s capable of playing in the NFL. His quickness and balance really help him stand out from his peers. It’s clear from watching him that he’s a natural left tackle. He has the knee bend and strength to control opposing pass rushers as well as the technique to win those battles. There is a reason Thomas is already being discussed as a 3-and-done player who will likely go in the first round. Guys like this do not come along very often.
And so now, here we are. In 2018, Georgia is expected to run away with the SEC East. To do so, it is going to need an improved offense and Thomas will be a key lynchpin for that. He’ll be the guy who keeps Jake Fromm clean and holds up opponents best pass rushers. It might not be the most glamorous position, but many would argue it makes him the most important.
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Last years left tackle Isaiah Wynn was drafted in the first round by the Patriots. He was one of the best offensive linemen in the country and yet, believe it or not, Thomas could be even better. He’s bigger and dare I say, even more athletic. That’s why I believe he should get some more attention when people are looking at UGA’s best and brightest. Because if he carries on like this, we’re looking at quite possibly the best offensive tackle I’ve ever seen in Athens.