Amarius Mims shines on big stage in his first career start
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims made his first career start on Saturday, and it’s safe to say that it was the biggest game that he’s ever played in.
The redshirt freshman and former five-star out of Bleckley County (Cochran, Ga.) didn’t see action in either of the College Football Playoff games last year, so prior to stepping foot on the field in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the biggest stage Mims had played on was in the SEC Championship Game. He didn’t start that one but played the entirety of the second half after Warren McClendon‘s injury. Then, when McClendon missed his first start since 2020, the door was opened for Mims to make his first as a Bulldog.
“Honestly man, I am just proud I could be a part of the team, proud I could contribute the way I did tonight,” Mims said. “With Warren being out tonight, he and I have talked since he’s been out about growing up and trying to fill that role and not let the team down. I’m just glad I was able to contribute.”
Mims played all but one of Georgia’s offensive plays on Saturday night in the 42-41 win over Ohio State. Pro Football Focus graded Mims as Georgia’s second-highest rated offensive player and best among the offensive linemen. Watching him on the sideline for every single one of them was McClendon, a fourth-year junior who’s been through it all at Georgia. Despite being disappointed he couldn’t be out there to make a 38th consecutive start at right tackle, he was supportive of Mims’ every step.
“Emotional. I knew we were going to pull it out, but it was full of ups and downs,” McClendon said. “He (Mims) definitely played one hell of a game. This whole three week process he’s been locked in and focused on this task. I’m very proud of him.”
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McClendon was in uniform and warmup up with the second-team offensive line on Saturday. Now the focus for him shifts right back to trying to get back on the field with the first team. However, if he’s not able to go, he’s confident in Mims’ ability to get the job done and trying his best to help in whatever way possible.
“I’m just telling him little things here or there,” McClendon said. “Making sure his head’s on straight, just helping him out with anything he needed.”
Georgia and TCU square off next Monday, January 9th, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Bulldogs opened as 13.5-point favorite according the oddsmakers in Las Vegas shortly after the conclusion of their semifinal game early Sunday morning. Kickoff time of the national title game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
