University of Georgia Athletics
Quick Chat: Xavier Truss
November 29, 2023 | Football, The Frierson Files
By John Frierson
Staff Writer
Xavier Truss has shown his versatility often during his career. The Georgia senior from West Warwick, R.I., started the first three games of this season at left guard, followed by seven straight starts at right tackle, and last week against Georgia Tech, in the 26th start of his career, Truss started at right guard.
Way back in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati to close the 2020 season, Truss started at left tackle. In 2021, Truss played as a backup lineman in all 15 games during Georgia's run to the national championship, and even played tight end in the season opener against Clemson. Last season, as the Bulldogs marched to their second straight title, Truss started 14 games at left guard. Again, the man is versatile.
On Saturday, the 6-foot-7 and 320-pound Truss and the top-ranked Bulldogs will take on No. 8 Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. During a recent Quick Chat, Truss talked about playing different positions on the line, the last time he touched the ball in a game, if he's interested in coaching, and more.
Here's some of what he had to say:Â
Frierson: Most of us know where a guard lines up and where a tackle lines up, but as a player, what is the biggest difference between the two positions?
Truss: I'd say for me, it's just the type of defenders we're doing against. At guard, you're going against the D-tackles the majority of the time, and looking to help out the tackles. At tackle, you're on an island, definitely, a little bit more, I think. At tackle, you're going against a lot more speed and quickness out on the edge.Â
Those are some of the little differences, but no matter where you're playing on the offensive line, you've got to play aggressively and you've got to dominate. No matter where I get my chance to play, I'm just trying to be aggressive,
Frierson: As a big man yourself, what was it like watching (6-3, 320-pound defensive tackle) Nazir Stackhouse's interception and return against Missouri?
Truss: [Laughs] That was awesome, definitely. It was at a great point in the game, too, so getting to see Naz just tumble down the field was awesome. I wanted him to score. I haven't jumped that high in a while like I did when he caught that thing.
Frierson: When was the last time you had the ball in your hands in a game?
Truss: In a game, I don't know. I don't think I've ever recovered a fumble in a game here, so I think it would go all the way back to high school. I think I had a blocked punt and scooped it up my junior year.
I played fullback back in eighth grade, and that's probably the last time I ran with the ball. I haven't touched the ball in a while.
Frierson: As a fullback, did you have dreams of that evolving into a tight end or some other position where you might get the ball more often? Or did you know even then that your future was on the offensive line?
Truss: I knew I was going to the offensive line. I don't know if you remember, but when we played Clemson (to open the 2021 season), I was playing some tight end then. That was my one little game at tight end, and it was a great experience.
Frierson: Are you more fascinated by football now than you were when you first got to college?
Truss: I think so. I think I learn more every single year, and as I learn and grow with the sport, my passion for it grows and my knowledge expands. I definitely get a bigger feel for it, and it's easier for me to look back and see how far I've come and how far other players have come.
Frierson: Does all of that make you think about coaching one day?
Truss: I've thought about it before. I think it could be something I think about doing down the line, but right now, I'm just trying to take advantage of this last bit of time I have in Athens.
Frierson: Do you think much about the fact that your Georgia career is wrapping up? It's obviously been a pretty special time.
Truss: Yeah, it has been. I think the years have flown by, and I'm grateful for every second of it. I'm taking a minute to sit back and think about everybody that has come and gone, and I'm definitely blessed to be a part of this organization.
(This Q&A was lightly edited for length and clarity.)
Assistant Sports Communications Director John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.
