Georgia Bulldogs

What the addition of Catalina means for Georgia

Published Feb. 17, 2016 5:20 p.m. ET

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Earlier this week, graduate transfer Tyler Catalina decided on joining the Georgia football program. 

An offensive tackle from Rhode Island, Catalina was a one-time pledge to Iowa State. Visits to Florida and Georgia opened up things -- ultimately culminating in Catalina selecting to play his final season in the SEC under Kirby Smart. 

The addition for Georgia is a significant one on a number of levels.

For one, Catalina is a talented player. He was an all-conference player last year, and was also a captain. As a fifth-year player, he'll likely step in and act as a de facto leader for a relatively young and inexperienced offensive line group. 

In addition, he's versatile from the standpoint Catalina can function as both a left and right tackle. Georgia lost three starters this past offseason along the offensive line -- including right tackle John Theus. It wouldn't be a shock to see Catalina slide right into that spot -- battling the likes of Kendall Baker for the starting gig. 

This truly was a big pickup for the Bulldogs. It will be the second-straight year in which Georgia will lean upon a graduate transfer to fill a big need. Last year, linebacker Jake Ganus came from UAB and starred for the 'Dawgs -- leading the team with 102 tackles. 

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