Tate Ratledge is One of PFF's Top Returning Interior Offensive Linemen
Georgia produces NFL talent at every position, but, since Kirby Smart arrived in Athens, no group has seen a bigger emphasis placed on it and had a bigger turnaround than the offensive line. After having just one offensive lineman drafted from 2013 to 2017, Georgia has had 11 selected under Smart. That emphasis on talent acquisition on the line of scrimmage has led to two national championships and a lot of winning.
Heading into 2024, the Bulldogs are once again replacing a lot of departing talent but they return a ton of snaps as well. The most significant of those guys was offensive guard Tate Ratledge who decided to put off the NFL for another year and return to Athens.
Oct 7, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) blocks against Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young (50) during the second half at Sanford Stadium.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In a ranking published earlier this week, PFF ranked Ratledge as their second-best returning interior offensive lineman. "His 87.4 pass-blocking grade in 2023 ranked third among Power Five guards," wrote PFF's Max Chadwick.
Ratledge's decision to return was massive for a Georgia offensive line that is already replacing its center and a tackle. He's one of the best offensive linemen in the country and one of Georgia's biggest leaders. He's also one of quarterback Carson Beck's best friends on the team.
"I'd probably say like one of my best friends is Tate. Yeah. I mean, we talk a ton. We make jokes, crack jokes, laugh about it. That usually makes it easier," said Beck in a recent interview.
Having a friend like Ratledge stopping defensive tackles has to be appealing to Beck as well. Georgia fans are certainly happy both of them are back in Athens for another year.
