Pittman’s protege wins blocking award

Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) blocks Auburn defensive end Nick Coe (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Andrew Thomas, a protege of University of Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman, was announced as the winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy on Wednesday in a vote by the league’s head coaches.

Thomas, a 6-5, 320-pound junior from Lithonia, Ga., earned a starting job at right tackle at Georgia as a true freshman for Pittman, his position coach, and became a three-year starter.

He is projected as an early pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Thomas is a standout on a Georgia offensive front that has allowed 0.92 sacks per game, tops in the SEC. The Bulldogs average 189.5 rushing yards per game, which is fifth in the SEC.