Georgia’s Monroe Freeling Faces Spring Practice Uncertainty After Shoulder Surgery

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is facing a pivotal offseason after undergoing shoulder surgery, casting doubt on his availability for spring practice. The rising junior, who started the final five games of the 2024 season at left tackle, could miss all of spring drills as he recovers.

Freeling, a former 5-star recruit in the 2023 class, struggled in Georgia’s loss to Notre Dame but is expected to compete for the starting left tackle role in 2025. His absence this spring adds to the challenges for a Bulldogs offensive line that lost four starters to the NFL. “We didn’t have the greatest technique, and we just got to get better the next season,” Freeling said after the season.

Injuries plagued Georgia’s offensive line in 2024, with Earnest Greene’s upper-body injury opening the door for Freeling to step into the starting lineup. Greene is also recovering from a shoulder injury, leaving the Bulldogs thin at tackle. Bo Hughley, Jah Jackson, and Jamal Meriweather are expected to see increased reps during spring practice.

Freeling appeared in all 14 games last season, earning a 70.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 71.4 in run blocking and 65.4 in pass blocking. Head coach Kirby Smart praised Freeling’s development during the season, saying, “He really competed hard, played physical, got better kind of as the game went on.”

As a true freshman in 2023, Freeling played in eight games, including a standout performance against Vanderbilt. Smart highlighted Freeling’s readiness, stating, “That moment came, and it wasn’t too big for him. I thought he did a good job.”

Georgia has not yet announced a start date for spring practice or its annual G-Day scrimmage. Freeling is expected to be fully recovered by fall camp, but his absence this spring leaves the Bulldogs with limited experienced options at tackle.