Georgia’s Andrew Thomas embracing move to left tackle

ATHENS (TNS) — Andrew Thomas made quite the name for himself early on during his Georgia career.

Although he didn’t enroll early, Thomas was able to assert himself into the starting lineup midway through the preseason last August. He started all 15 games for the Bulldogs at right tackle for a team that finished ninth in the nation in rushing at 258.4 yards per game.

This spring, Thomas made the move to left tackle and will be the one to protect quarterback Jake Fromm’s blind side. He recently met with reporters to discuss the move from right to tackle, as well as how some of the other young linemen have performed thus far.

Q: This is the first time we’ve talked to you about moving from right to left tackle. How did that conversation go (with the coaches)?

A: We talked about it later on in the season. In practice, I started getting some reps with the second and third team at left tackle. The transition has been pretty smooth so far. That’s what I started off playing when I first came, so it’s been pretty well so far.

Q: Coach Smart made a comment, when asked how you’re doing, and he said it’s been very quiet, and that’s a good thing. Does that kind of tell how you’ve done so far?

A: I guess he’s talking about my personality, that I just come in and work and don’t say much.

Q: What’s been the biggest difference from moving from the right side to the left?

A: It’s the mental aspect of it. The plays and everything are the same, but you flip sides. The footwork is what I’m working on right now.

Q: How much of it is like training your body, like working one side of the brain to having to work the other side of the brain?

A: That’s the process right now. I’m breaking down and trying to build muscle memory on the left side.

Q: You talked about how you have a quiet demeanor, and Kirby mentioned to us recently that having the spot you have, and the status you have, he wants you to be more of a vocal leader. What is it like to have your coach say stuff like that? Obviously he thinks you’re capable of more, but I’m sure you want to be doing everything right.

A: It means a lot. I’m working on being more of a leader and speaking up more. First, with the offensive line. And then with the team aspect, trying to be more of a leader.

Q: With Isaiah Wynn gone from the offensive line, in practices does it seem like there’s something missing? That leadership presence maybe?

A: Obviously it is hard to replace a guy like that. But Lamont (Gaillard), he has stepped up as our leader right now and has done a great job.

Q: With Isaiah having one year left, did you have it in your sights to be the left tackle this year?

A: That was in my mind, that was the plan.

Q: Did you ever talk to him about it at all?

A: We talked about it, and like I said, when I first got here, I was a (third-teamer) and he was the (first-teamer) at left tackle. He was mentoring me before I moved over to the right.

Q: How much were you working at left tackle when you were coming down to the stretch there in the postseason and SEC Championship?

A: In practice, I got maybe half of the second team reps at left tackle. And sometimes, it was third team. I did some stuff in individual (drills) too.

Q: What were some of the things you took from Isaiah as a leader?

A: The way Isaiah approached every aspect. Every day was like a game for him. That’s what I’m trying to build right now.