Georgia end Ray Drew (47) makes critical tackle in second overtime against Georgia Tech in 2013 Atlanta.
Georgia defensive end Ray Drew celebrates a sack last season against LSU. Photo by Perry McIntyre Jr.Georgia is preparing for Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense this week, and the cut-blocking that comes with it.
“I like cut-blocking as much as a cat likes a tub of water,” Bulldogs defensive end Ray Drew said.
Cut-blocking, or a legalized blocking below the waist, is permitted by the NCAA for offensive players who are not in motion at the snap of the ball. It is not legal to cut-block a defender who is engaged with another blocker, and it can be used only for straight-ahead blocks.
The NCAA has made cut-blocking safer for defensive players in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they have to like it.
“I’m going to wear two sets of knee pads,” Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins said. “Georgia Tech is the master of cutting. I will give them that. Every time we play Tech, we’re all on the ground after that first play.”