On Tuesday afternoon, UGA offensive linemen Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson both announced their decision to forego the rest of their collegiate eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. Neither Thomas or Wilson will play in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2020.
Andrew Thomas is a 6-foot-5 and 320 lbs junior in his third season at Georgia. He signed with the Bulldogs out of Pace Academy in Lithonia, GA as a member of UGA’s 2017 recruiting class. Thomas played in and started all 15 games for the Dawgs as a true freshmen at right tackle in 2017. He moved from right to left tackle in 2018, playing in and starting 13 games. This past season, Thomas again anchored the left side of the o-line, playing in and starting 13 games. In all, No. 71 has played in and started in 41 games for the University of Georgia.
His accolades include winning the 2019 Southeastern Conference Jacobs Blocking Trophy award, 2019 AP and Coaches First-Team All-SEC, 2019 Walter Camp 1st-Team All-American to name just a few, and a 2019 Outland Trophy semifinalists.
Via his Twitter account on Tuesday, Thomas stated:
“As my season ends, I want to thank God for the opportunities he has granted me. I also want to thank the University of Georgia for an incredible three years. My time in Athens has shaped me into the man I am today and it was a privilege to play between the hedges on Saturday.”
Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of playing in the National Football League. Today, I’m taking a step to turn that dream into a reality – I will be foregoing my our upcoming bowl game and my senior season, and I will be delcaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.”
“I want to thank my family, who has supported me from day one, my coaches and my brothers on the field. The bonds we’ve made will carry with me forever. I’d also like to thank the fans in The Classic City.”
Thomas is projected to be a top-five pick in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft according to some of the latest 2020 mock drafts from CBS, FoxSports, The Sporting News, and 247Sports.
Isaiah Wilson is a 6-foot-7 and 340 lbs redshirt sophomore and in his third year a the University of Georgia. He signed with the Bulldogs out of Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, N.Y. as a member of UGA’s 2017 recruiting class. He redshirted and the following year, in 2018, played in and started 14 games for Georgia at right tackle. This past season, Wilson played in 11 games and started 10 at right tackle missing the Murray State and Arkansas games due to injury.
Wilson first released his decision to enter the 2020 NFL Draft via his Instagram account on Tuesday before also posting it to his Twitter account. He stated:
“The past three years at UGA have been phenomenal! Words can’t express my gratefulness for friendships that I’ve made and the relationships that will last a lifetime. My teammates (aka my brothers) & their families, my coaches, fellow students, the football support staff, and the UGA FANBASE (which are the best in the nation might I add!) have made this the most amazing college experience. The unwavering support from my family allowed me to spread my wings and travel all the way down to Georgia and join the Bulldogs. From day one it was home, and will always be a second home to me. I’ve been able to grow and mature in my football development and also as a young man. I am so appreciative and grateful to GOD for this opportunity that football has given me: it’s been a life changing experience that I will always treasure. I will surely miss blocking between the hedges but it’s time for the next man up! – This was a huge decision that I prayed about, talked about with my family, and thought about tremendously and it’s not a step that has been taken lightly. I have made the decision to enter the 2020 NFL Draft and forego my senior season. – I will begin preparing for the next chapter in my life! I am forever grateful for your support.”