Newcomer Profile: Georgia OT Bo Hughley
Most of the 2023 Georgia recruiting class enrolled in January — almost 70 percent of it, actually. The Bulldogs welcomed 18 players to campus and 17 of them got a taste of spring practice. Sixteen of them finished spring drills and got the full spring semester experience in the Classic City.
The other eight are arriving this summer with most of them having already enrolled. They’re going to get right into the flow of things with summer workouts and classes, but it’s going to take some time for them to catch up.
With that in mind, DawgsHQ is taking one last look at them before they fully settle in under the Bulldogs’ roof. We begin our Newcomer Profile series with a look at a long-time commitment on the offensive line.
OT Bo Hughley
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 127 overall, No. 11 offensive tackle, No. 8 in Georgia
On3 Scouting: “Specimen who encapsulates the meaning of the word “prototype” for what an offensive lineman is supposed to look like. Stands over 6-foot-7, 290-plus pounds with nearly a 7-foot wingspan. Has over a 10-inch hand and 36-inch arm and jumped a 20-inch vertical during the spring before his senior season. Primarily lines up at right tackle. Lacks ideal balance and body control. Can play over his toes and tends to lunge and bend at the waist. Good footwork and foot speed for his size. Threw over 43-feet in the shot put as a sophomore at nearly 300 pounds. Plays with a mean streak and looks to finish his opponents consistently. A high upside prospect due to his unique frame and length but will need to clean up his balance and leverage issues.”
The Story…
The 6-foot-7 tackle committed to the Bulldogs in September of 2021. That was well over a year before he was going to be able to put pen to paper and make it official and other schools knew it. Several programs came hard after the talented tackle.
Auburn tried to make a move late in the process. The Tigers thought they were making some serious headway. But while Hughley was entertaining their advances, he never came close to flipping. He signed with the Georgia on the first day of the early period.
Where Hughley fits…
First and foremost he’s part of a really talented offensive tackle class. Georgia signed Monroe Freeling and Jamal Meriweather as well. It’s huge to get those tackle-style bodies on campus because they’re tough to find.
Hughley has the ability to play on either end of the line of scrimmage. He’s one of the longest players in this class and while he’s raw, technique can be taught. Hughley also has the frame and potential to get a lot bigger and stronger.
Preseason camp expectations…
It’s going to be tough to make big gains before camp starts. He’s going to get stronger and in better shape. Hughley may even put on a few pounds. But he’s probably not going to make big strides in terms of fundamentals. With that said, it’s not out of the question for a guy with his skill set to make a move. He needs to get off to a fast start and push through that freshman wall as quickly as possible.
