Isaiah Wilson of Georgia a mammoth NFL tackle

Isaiah Wilson of Georgia football a mammoth NFL tackle

The three key cogs of the so-called Great Wall of Georgia all declared early for the NFL draft. Taking a quick look at each of them: Andrew Thomas, Solomon Kindley and Isaiah Wilson

Here I look up, way up at big Isaiah Wilson.

Wilson, not his now much more heralded classmate Andrew Thomas, came into the University of Georgia as the top-ranked offensive lineman in the country. Out of Poly Prep High School in Brooklyn, NYC, and already 6-7, 345, the young man struggled mightily to adapt to the searing Southern heat and humidity. He also was not reasonably tested by anyone in high school, considering how much bigger and stronger he was than his competition.

While Thomas was immediately thrust into the starting lineup and was the left tackle of the present and future at UGA, Wilson had to wait his time. As a two-year starter for the Dawgs, Wilson helped lead Georgia teams that won 11 and 12 games and put up three thousand-yard rushers: Elijah Holyfield (once) and  D’Andre Swift (twice). Not many men can get around or through him.

Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson (79) blocking Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

As offensive line coach Sam Pittman left UGA to becoming the head coach at Arkansas, Wilson choose to join his fellow tackle Thomas and leave early for the NFL. At right tackle, he is probably a second round pick to a team in need. I don’t think he has the speed to be converted to a left tackle easily.