UGA Football Offensive Lineman Seeking Bounce Back 2025 Season
LIMITED TIME: Get Dawg Post coverage for $1 RIGHT NOW
ATHENS - Heading into the 2024 season last year, many expected left tackle Earnest Greene to have a “breakout” third season for the Georgia Bulldogs.
And why would anyone expect less?
The Bulldogs have been turning out dominant offensive tackles left and right, year after year all throughout the Kirby Smart era. At the end of the 2023 season, it was Amarius Mims who heard his name called in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. A year before that it was Broderick Jones.
Next up was Earnest Greene. However, the returning starter had a banged up 2024 season that halted his progression. The Bulldogs had to play musical chairs on the offensive line throughout the season and had to insert Monroe Freeling at the left tackle spot during their Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.
Now, it’s “bounce-back” season for Earnest Greene. He’s got the talent to jump right back in and have a big year at left tackle, but he’s got to get healthy and get his confidence back. Head coach Kirby Smart said this week that he’s still dealing with an injury but is moving in the right direction.
“Yeah, Earnest, he's had a few bumps and bruises”, Smart said. “He's got a dislocated finger that he's having to wear a club. So it's frustrating for him because he can't use his hand. I told him it's going to be a chance to get a lot better because when he comes back with his use of his hand, he's going to be a lot better. He's practicing hard. I feel like he really tried to play hard Saturday in the scrimmage. He and Micah [Morris] tried to lead and push people. So, I'm pleased with his toughness because he's got a club on his hand and he's out there competing and getting better each day.”
DON’T FORGET YOUR FANDUEL BETS!!
According to FanDuel, the Buffalo Bills have +380 odds to win the AFC Championship during the 2025 season regular season next fall.
Greene started nine games last fall and is without a doubt one of the biggest leaders not only in the offensive line room, but on the entire offense. He’s entering his fourth year with the program and is doing what he can to push the other linemen.
“Well, you come to the University of Georgia to compete. So if competing is one of those reasons, then as far as competing, there goes depth. And with depth, there goes ability. Obviously, everybody here is talented, and they're here for a reason. So it's honestly just about maxing everybody's potential, whether it's, you know, in the weight room or on the football field.”
Ideally, Greene will be fully healthy and holding down the left tackle spot to start the 2025 season. He started nine games there last season before an arm injury and is the best option when he’s able to be out there. Injuries really hurt Georgia’s line last year, so if Greene and the rest of the group can stay a little healthier, look for Georgia’s offensive line to take a much-needed step forward this upcoming season.