UGA football only has one full-time starter returning on the offensive line. But former reserve lineman Jamaree Salyer is more than ready for a starting job.
UGA football has to replace four full-time starting offensive linemen this season. But don’t be fooled, Georgia doesn’t lack any talent upfront. In fact, one of those new starters is Jamaree Salyer, a former five-star prospect who has appeared in 26 games over the last two seasons.
Salyer is a lineman capable of playing all five positions and he’s projected to start at right tackle. However, he’s built for an interior role and he has some experience at center. Right tackle is where Georgia seems to need Salyer the most right now, and he’s cut his weight down to 312 lbs. to play the position better.
Salyer actually played around 360 lbs. in high school and has even weighed as much as 340 lbs. while at Georgia. As his roles on the team have changed, he’s worked really hard to manage his weight so he can quickly transition into any job. Salyer actually weighed 309 lbs. before workouts began.
Salyer’s weight management is just one area where his devotion shines. The other area is leadership by example, which he displayed by organizing a few offensive line practices during the quarantine.
In the trenches, Salyer continues to lead by example. He’s drastically improved his speed and footwork over the last few months. Quarterback Jamie Newman called seeing a lineman of Salyer’s size moving so quickly “exciting.” Power, however, is an aspect Salyer has never lacked. With his newfound quickness, Salyer can become the best all-around lineman in the SEC.
Unless something drastically changes, Salyer is going to be a starter this season. He’s too good, too talented and in too good of shape to not start. The question is where. Georgia needs him at right tackle right now, but maybe one of the newcomers (Tate Ratledge and Broderick Jones) are ready to compete for a starting role. If so, Salyer might move back to his natural position in the interior. Regardless, Salyer is a starting offensive lineman.