COLUMBIA, Mo. — There’s been a lot of consternation this week about Georgia’s offensive line. A couple days ago, this writer posted a story entitled “How did Georgia’s offensive line get to this point,” and expressed the idea that with three seniors set to move on after this year, new line coach Sam Pittman will really earn his big three-year contract.

On Saturday afternoon, a message arrived in my e-mail box:

“After reading your article — and possibly expressing your concern about the offensive line at Georgia — I can tell you that there isn’t a better, more qualified man to build the best lines in Georgia history. Sam Pittman is a “GREAT” teacher, recruiter and motivator of players. He has developed and built great lines every place he has been.

“At North Carolina he put 9 offensive linemen in the NFL. With Jonathan Cooper winning the Outland Trophy!!!!! At Arkansas he built the best Line in the SEC … (#1…. Sacks allowed,TFL’s, yds per rush, etc.) ….

“Research history: He was offensive line coach at Northern Illinois for Garrett Wolfe. Then went to Alabama and beat the Tide in Tuscaloosa!!! He has been offered many opportunities to go to NFL, and was offered the offensive line job recently at Alabama, choosing to stay at Arkansas.

“His best quality is….he is a great man!!! Bulldog fans be patient…..and you will be ecstatic and proud.

“- A Coach”

The name of the e-mailer, one couldn’t help but notice, was Butch Davis.

Pittman was at North Carolina from 2007-11, serving as offensive line coach for then-Tar Heels head coach Butch Davis for four of those seasons. Upon further correspondence, the e-mailer said he believes Pittman is “the best in college football.”

Editor’s notes: Jonathan Cooper was only an Outland Trophy finalist, and the Razorbacks did not lead the SEC in yards per rush in any of Pittman’s three seasons in Fayetteville. However, Arkansas was ranked in the top five in that category each year.