Georgia takes pride in pushing the pile

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Georgia takes pride in pushing the pile

Georgia takes pride in pushing the pile

Starting left tackle Broderick Jones told us that “physicality” was the identity of this Georgia team. Judging by the performance in last weekend’s Auburn game, “physicality” was most definitely one of the factors that helped the Dawgs sail past the Tigers last week. 

The Bulldogs ran all over the opposition in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. By the end of the afternoon, the Dawgs had run for almost three hundred rushing yards, with freshman Branson Robinson and Daijun Edwards leading the charge. Both deserve their share of recognition for their production, but everyone knows the true unsung hero is the Georgia offensive line. 

 

 

 

 

Not only did they obviously set up the blocking for runs, but according to Jones, there were at least “three or four” times where the offensive line would team up to push the pile and burst runs for additional five- or ten-yard gains. 

 

 

 

 

Earlier in the week, Coach Smart said there were “two or three plays Warren McClendon ignited our entire offensive line,” setting the example and being the first guy to run to the ball and move the pile. His example led others to follow suit, and the sequential plays gained more yards. 

The offensive line refers to pushing the pile as “covering down,” and they take obscene pride in it.

Jones was asked if o-line coach Stacy Searels had the position group so on fire for cover down plays, but he said the fire is just them trying to “uphold the standard” that past Georgia players have already set. Jones said the guys encourage each other to make plays and run down the field to keep the ball moving. It builds comradery amongst the big guys up front.

Georgia’s offensive line room might be one of the best in the country. If you don’t believe that, name another team with the luxury of rotating their linemen in-game. Not many schools have the depth or talent to do that, but as Coach Smart says, “You’re either elite, or you’re not.”

 

 

 

 

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