Starting offensive line almost set

Georgia’s starting offensive line is all but determined, head coach Kirby Smart said after practice on Wednesday.

“We’re much closer after that last scrimmage, but there are still some battles in there,” said Smart. “We’re still battling it out at right tackle, still looking who the backup left tackle is going to be and maybe who that fourth guard is going to be.”

Otherwise, Smart indicated the starting lineup for next week’s opener against Appalachian State will include Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, Pat Allen at left guard, Lamont Gaillard at center, Solomon Kindley at right guard and either Andrew Thomas or Ben Cleveland at right tackle.

Although Thomas has been the only player seen working with the first group during media viewing, Smart made it clear that the starter for the job hasn't been decided.

Cleveland, he said, is still very much in the mix.

“It’s neck and neck. Each day they go out there and compete,” Smart said. “Ben’s played some there with the ones; Ben’s competing hard. Andrew’s competing hard. They both go there and are doing good jobs. Time will tell.”

Smart also appeared to tamp down the expectations on Thomas, who has received his share of bouquets from teammates in recent days.

“Andrew Thomas is very mature and he’s a good kid, but let’s don’t get ahead of ourselves. He was at the high school prom three or four months ago,” Smart said. “He’s done a good job. He competes and comes to work every day. I would hate for guys to give him the Outland [Trophy] or some other award before he plays a down.”

Also:

• Smart said that Dyshon Sims and Sean Fogarty are battling out to see who the backup center to Gaillard will be.

• Junior Kendall Baker is currently the third guard behind Allen and Kindley. Sims, who can also play tackle, is also in the mix.

• Isaiah Wilson is among those in the mix to be the backup left tackle, along with Sims.