Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart loves the athleticism center Jared Wilson brings to the table for the Dawgs’ offensive line. Wilson, who is expected to start this season, is replacing All-SEC center Sedrick Van Pran.
Sedrick Van Pran is expected to be one of the first centers drafted in the 2024 NFL draft. Van Pran brought an elite combination of toughness and intelligence to the center position. His departure is a big loss for the Georgia offensive line, but Kirby Smart likes what he has in Jared Wilson.
“When you talk about athleticism at the center position, this guy runs faster than a lot of our defensive backs, believe it or not, our tight ends, our quarterbacks. His numbers are extremely athletics, over 300 pounds, can get to the second level as quick as anybody,” said Kirby Smart.
Wilson played in 13 of 14 games last season, missing the Orange Bowl. Wilson, a junior, has over 20 games of college experience and will anchor the Georgia offensive line alongside guard Tate Rateledge, guard Dylan Fairchild, tackle Earnest Greene and tackle Xavier Truss.
Jared Wilson notes that his background in soccer helped his athleticism. “I don’t really talk about this a lot, but I played soccer growing up, most of my childhood. I really feel like the athleticism came from that. But bringing it over to the center position I feel like is really unique,” said Wilson.
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Wilson had the opportunity to learn under Sedrick Van Pran for several years, so he had an excellent mentor. “Sed, his leadership, everybody knows about his leadership, it’s world renowned… I wouldn’t even have to go ask him a question, he would lead so much that he would say things that just would answer other people’s questions,” said Wilson.
Jared Wilson notes that he is trying to improve his leadership and blocking linebackers at the second level. He should be fun to watch in Georgia’s spring game this April.