What is UGA getting in new O-Line Coach Stacy Searels?

Kirby Smart was hit with some unexpected news last week when Offensive Line Coach Matt Luke stepped down from his position. The search immediately began and it didn’t take very long before Coach Smart found his guy. UGA made it official on Monday that former North Carolina Coach, Stacy Searels would be the guy to fill that role. In 2021 Searels offensive line helped the Tar Heels rushing game which was top 10 in the nation for rushing yards per carry at 5.4. The Tar Heels O Line also helped that rushing attack average around 2.3 rushing touchdowns a game. Searel’s Offensive Line at UNC also has produced the most 1,000 yard rushers in the nation over the past 3 seasons with five. Now, if you look at the Tar Heels pass protection that’s where this hire might make you scratch your head. North Carolina’s O-Line allowed a conference-high, 49 sacks. That is a very high number, and for some, that might be all you need to hear to close the book on Searels. After looking more into Searles he is a solid recruiter and is also a solid developer/coach. As you all know the Dawgs have one of the most talented O-Line Room in College Football, so Searels will already have a huge advantage at UGA that he did not have at UNC. North Carolina’s offensive line in 2021 was made up of all 3 stars and below. In Coach Searel’s first year at UGA, he is projected to have a combination of high 4 stars and 5 stars on his line. Coach Searel is very familiar with Athens. He spent 2007-2010 in Athens as the offensive line coach. In 2009 the Dawgs O-Line which Searels coached allowed just 12 sacks which lead the SEC and was sixth nationally. One final note on Coach Searel is his ability to put guys in the league. He has coached 25 offensive linemen who have played in the NFL. 11 of those players were drafted.