Bulldog offensive Tackle Amarius Mims is headed to the NFL.

The former Bleckley County standout revealed today to Pete Thamel that he will forgo his final year of college eligibility.

Mims’ decision should surprise no one. Despite struggling with a high ankle sprain and missing much of the 2023 season, the 6’8, 340 pound standout gave up no sacks and only one QB pressure in 152 passing snaps. With prototype size, elite length, and preternaturally quick feet, Mims is projected by many to be a first round pick.

I expect he’ll only rise on draft boards when teams get a look at him in person. If you look up the phrase “freak athlete” in the NFL scout’s dictionary there’s a picture of Amarius Mims next to it. Frankly I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up as a top 15 pick. NFL teams are just going to have a hard time turning down the kind of measurables he’ll put up on the board.

Fortunately for the ‘Dawgs Stacy Searels has a deep group of linemen coming back. Ernest Greene is entrenched as the starter at left tackle. Monroe Freeling played solid snaps at tackle this year as a freshman, and may be the favorite to slot in at the right tackle spot in 2024. A handful of other players who worked inside during 2023 could also shift out to tackle, including Dylan Fairchild and Drew Bobo.

The Bulldogs also have 2023 tackle recruits Bo Hughley and Jamal Meriweather, who each have excellent length and athleticism but spent this year getting bigger (both arrived in Athens under 300 pounds). That’s to say nothing of the five blue chip offensive tackles signed in the 2024 class earlier this month.

Go ‘Dawgs!!!