ATHENS — You might find the University of Georgia football team's offensive line at the local movie theater around campus.
It's just one way the foundation of the Bulldogs' offensive unit builds team chemistry and a big reason why they consider themselves a tight-knit group on and off the field.
Junior offensive linemen Andrew Thomas and Solomon Kindley along with sophomore Jamaree Salyer echoed the common theme after the Bulldogs' eighth spring practice Thursday afternoon.
“We are a family,” Kindley said. “We just do a lot of stuff together to build relationships with each other because we are always around each other. Whether that’s going to the movies or whatever it might be, we feel that is important to have that relationship.”
The Bulldogs have reached the halfway point of spring practice with seven more workouts scheduled over the next week and will culminate with the G-Day game on April 20 at Sanford Stadium. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
The offensive line is expected to be a strength for the Bulldogs this season. A big reason for that is Thomas, who started 13 games and was a 2018 SI.com First-Team All-American. For the Lithonia native, his role on the team is even greater as he enters his junior campaign.
“I tried to lead by example,” Thomas said. “I try to lead by example first, and then if I see anything, I just step in and speak when I can.”
Thomas also sings the praises of Salyer, who he played alongside at Pace Academy for three seasons.
“Jamaree is pretty much like my brother,” Thomas said. “He is working a little at center sometimes, but mostly he is playing right guard or right tackle. I feel like he has done really well and understands what he has to learn to be successful.”
The Bulldogs return to the practice field on Saturday in the middle of a busy weekend for Georgia athletics.
The No. 4-ranked and SEC-leading Georgia baseball team hosts a pivotal three-game series against No. 5 Vanderbilt at Foley Field. The Bulldog track and field team hosts the annual Spec Towns Invitational, while the gymnastics squad is participating in the NCAA regional at Stegeman Coliseum. In addition, the Georgia men’s tennis team hosts Arkansas for Senior Day on Sunday at 1 p.m.
