ATHENS — Georgia football is all about the “wow,” but it’s worth noting that four of the top five graded players in the Bulldogs’ 66-27 win over UMass last Saturday were freshmen of sophomores.
Quarterback Justin Fields generated the most interest with his jaw-dropping 57-yard laser throw to Mecole Hardman, but Coach Kirby Smart also took note of a certain offensive linemen who is emerging and graded third highest.
“The kid that has really gotten better the last two weeks is Jamaree (Salyer),” Smart said. “He’s a heckuva good player at either guard spot.”
Salyer, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound true freshman from the Pace Academy in Atlanta, has played in 10 of 11 games this season. He was rated as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 offensive guard in the country by 247Sports.
Smart said freshman guard Cade Mays (shoulder) would not practice Monday and remains day to day, while senior guard Kendall Baker (knee) is likely out this week.
RELATED: Georgia football injury report for Georgia Tech
Redshirt sophomore guard Ben Cleveland is practicing and cleared to play, but Smart made it clear he doesn’t see Cleveland as being 100 percent yet.
That means Salyer could be in line for some key snaps against Georgia Tech in the noon game on Saturday at Sanford Stadium.
Freshman Trey Hill got his first career start at offensive guard against UMass, with sophomore Solomon Kindley on the left side.
RELATED: Georgia football freshman report
It was the fourth different offensive line combination the Bulldogs have had to go with this season on account of injuries.
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Hill became the sixth true freshman to start for Georgia this season.
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