Monroe Freeling's decision to enter the draft was both a celebratory decision and one that leaves Georgia's coaching staff with a question. Who will fill the pivotal role of protecting the blindside for Gunner Stockton?
Georgia acquired a new offensive lineman in the Transfer Portal who could fill that hole at left tackle. TyQuez Richardson is an offensive tackle transfer from Alabama A&M. Richardson is a Georgia native, graduating from Mays High School in Atlanta. Richardson isn't the highest rated transfer in the portal, but he has a three-star transfer portal ranking according to 247Sports which shows that he could come in and immediately compete for playing time.
Transfer OL brings experience to Georgia's offensive line room
According to James Morgan at UGA Wire, Richardson started 12 games at offensive tackle for Alabama A&M. While Richardson did find a lot of success while playing at Alabama A&M, he would be making a huge jump from SWAC pass rushers to the pass rushers in the SEC.
Experience is very important for position battles and the coaching staff, but experience alone doesn't guarantee a starting role, but it will help Richardson in the fight for one.
Richardson's addition can mean more to the offensive line room besides just competition. His experience can add a calming effect for coaches and the rest of his teammates. A player who has played collegiate snaps can make a huge difference from a raw freshman playing their first snaps.
Richardson's addition isn't an equalizer for the left tackle position. It can give Kirby Smart and offensive line coach Phil Rauscher a good place to work from during spring practices. Georgia could experiment and place elite sophomore Juan Gaston at left tackle. But at the end of the day Georgia can't have enough of offensive linemen, and Richardson at 6'5 330 pounds fits the mold of a SEC offensive lineman that could be a major contributor.