Preview of the Georgia Bulldogs’ spring practice: Tight ends are poised for another successful campaign

The Georgia Bulldogs have long been a powerhouse in college football, known for their dynamic recruiting, elite coaching, and consistent performances on both sides of the ball. One position group that has consistently contributed to their success in recent years is the tight end position. From Brock Bowers to Darnell Washington, Georgia’s tight ends have been integral to the offense, creating mismatches in the passing game while also being reliable blockers in the running game.

As spring practice for the 2024 season gets underway, the Bulldogs’ tight end group is once again expected to play a pivotal role in their offensive scheme. With a mix of returning talent, exciting young players, and a coaching staff committed to maximizing the potential of the position, the tight ends are poised for another successful campaign in 2024.

This article will provide a preview of Georgia’s tight ends heading into spring practice, analyzing their strengths, potential areas of improvement, and how the position group could influence the Bulldogs’ offense this coming season.

Georgia’s Tight End Tradition: A Legacy of Success

Before delving into the 2024 tight end prospects, it’s important to acknowledge the history of success at the position for Georgia. Over the past decade, the Bulldogs have developed a reputation for producing NFL-caliber tight ends, with each one playing a vital role in the team’s offense.

• Brock Bowers, the star tight end who was a consensus All-American and one of the most dynamic players in college football, has set a high bar for his position. His ability to both catch passes and contribute as a blocker made him one of the most valuable players in college football.
• Darnell Washington, who played alongside Bowers, added a significant physical presence to the position. His 6’7″, 270-pound frame was a nightmare for defenders, both in the passing game and as a run blocker.
• Charlie Woerner and Isaac Nauta are other examples of players who have excelled at Georgia, contributing to the Bulldogs’ successes in both the SEC and on the national stage.

With such a tradition of excellence at tight end, the expectations for the 2024 group are high, and there is little doubt that the Bulldogs will continue to utilize the position to its full potential.

The 2024 Tight End Room: Key Returners and New Faces

Heading into spring practice for 2024, Georgia’s tight end room is both familiar and fresh. Several key players from last year’s roster are returning, and there are exciting new prospects vying for roles in the system. Let’s break down the personnel, their strengths, and what we can expect from them this spring.

Brock Bowers: The Alpha of the Group

It’s difficult to talk about Georgia’s tight ends without mentioning Brock Bowers, the standout tight end who has redefined the position in college football. As of now, Bowers is considered one of the best tight ends in the nation and is projected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Bowers’ ability to line up all over the field, whether as a traditional tight end or split out wide, makes him a matchup nightmare. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 240 pounds, his combination of size, speed, and agility is almost unparalleled for a player at his position. Over the past two seasons, Bowers has been one of the Bulldogs’ top playmakers, consistently producing in both the passing game and as a key component of Georgia’s running game.

In 2023, Bowers caught 63 passes for 942 yards and 7 touchdowns, making him a significant weapon in Georgia’s offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically, combined with his sure hands and solid route-running skills, means that opposing defenses have to account for him on nearly every play.

This spring, expect Bowers to continue being the focal point of Georgia’s offense, and his presence will allow the Bulldogs to utilize multiple tight end sets. His versatility in both the passing and running game allows offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to get creative with formations and personnel packages, making Bowers a key asset heading into the 2024 season.

Oscar Delp: A Rising Star

While Bowers has been the face of Georgia’s tight end group, Oscar Delp has emerged as a potential star in his own right. Delp, a former 4-star recruit, has been impressive in his development, showcasing his skills both as a blocker and a pass-catcher.

At 6’5″ and 245 pounds, Delp has the size and athleticism to contribute at a high level for Georgia. In 2023, Delp appeared in several games, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a backup tight end behind Bowers. He caught 12 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, making key plays in several crucial moments throughout the season. His blocking, however, has been what has really stood out in practices, showing that he is more than capable of helping the Bulldogs’ powerful running game.

Heading into spring practice, Delp’s role is expected to expand. With Bowers being a focal point, Delp can also carve out a significant role as a dual-threat tight end, capable of providing both a pass-catching option and a reliable blocker. As Georgia continues to implement multiple tight end sets in its offensive schemes, Delp will likely see increased snaps and could develop into one of the top tight ends in the SEC by the end of the 2024 season.

Trent Frazier: The Depth Option

While Frazier might not receive the same level of attention as Bowers and Delp, he is still a valuable asset in the Bulldogs’ tight end room. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Frazier brings a combination of size and skill that makes him a useful option in various situations.

Frazier has been utilized as both a pass-catcher and a blocker, and he brings a level of versatility that is essential in Georgia’s offensive system. As spring practice gets underway, Frazier will look to carve out a larger role in the rotation and provide quality depth behind Bowers and Delp.

If Frazier can continue to develop his blocking skills while becoming a more reliable option in the passing game, he could see significant playing time as a third option in 2024, especially in situations that require multiple tight end sets or extra blockers on running plays.

The Fresh Faces: A Competitive Group of Newcomers

The Bulldogs’ 2024 tight end room is not only defined by experienced returners but also by some intriguing newcomers. The program’s commitment to recruiting high-caliber talent has brought in several freshmen and transfers who could make an impact during the spring.

Brock Bowers’ success has raised the bar for Georgia’s tight end recruiting, and the Bulldogs’ 2024 class features some exciting young players. One such freshman to watch is Jaden Wilson, a highly-rated tight end prospect who enrolled early and will get a chance to prove himself in spring practice. Wilson possesses excellent size at 6’5″ and 240 pounds and is known for his athleticism and strong route-running ability. If he can adjust to the college game quickly, he may provide a future weapon for Georgia’s offense.

Another notable addition is Chris Simpson, a transfer tight end from a smaller program who has been gaining buzz during the offseason. Simpson is 6’6″ and 250 pounds, with the physicality and blocking ability that will be valuable for Georgia’s power running game. If Simpson impresses during spring practice, he could earn a spot in the rotation.

Position Group Strengths

The tight end position at Georgia has been a key part of the team’s offensive success, and 2024 should be no different. Some key strengths of the tight end group include:

1. Versatility: Georgia’s tight ends are capable of lining up in a variety of positions—inline, in the slot, and even split out wide as receivers. This versatility allows offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to mix and match personnel, making the Bulldogs unpredictable on offense.
2. Blocking Ability: The Bulldogs’ tight ends, particularly Bowers and Delp, excel in blocking, making them essential in Georgia’s highly successful running game. Their ability to seal off defenders and create running lanes for backs like Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards will be crucial in maintaining offensive balance.
3. Passing Game Threat: Bowers remains a significant threat in the passing game, and Delp has the potential to take on a larger role. The Bulldogs can utilize these tight ends to stretch defenses, create mismatches with linebackers, and open up opportunities for other receivers.
4. Depth: With a combination of returning talent like Bowers and Delp and rising stars like Frazier, the Bulldogs have excellent depth at tight end. This depth will allow Georgia to rotate players and keep the offense fresh, especially in high-intensity SEC games.

What to Expect in Spring Practice

During spring practice, the Bulldogs’ tight ends will have several objectives to focus on. First and foremost, coach Todd Hartley will be working on refining their blocking techniques, ensuring that all tight ends are capable of excelling in Georgia’s power-run offense. Additionally, expect to see Bowers continue to evolve as a pass-catcher, further developing his route-running and chemistry with whoever is under center for the Bulldogs in 2024.

Delp will have the chance to prove that he’s ready for a larger role, showing that he can contribute as both a blocker and a reliable option in the passing game. His performance in the spring will likely determine how much playing time he’ll receive come fall.

For Frazier, Simpson, and the incoming freshmen, the spring will serve as an audition for a more prominent role. With Georgia’s offense expected to rely heavily on its tight ends, these players will have the opportunity to prove they belong in the rotation.

 A Bright Future for Georgia’s Tight Ends

As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for the 2024 season, their tight end group is poised for another successful campaign. With a blend of proven playmakers like Brock Bowers and rising stars such as Oscar Delp, Georgia’s tight ends will continue to be integral to the offense’s success. The spring practices will be a crucial time for players to establish themselves and showcase their skills, ensuring that the tight end position remains a strength for the Bulldogs in 2024.

With their balance of talent, depth, and versatility, the Bulldogs’ tight ends will once again be key contributors to Georgia’s pursuit of a national championship and an SEC title. The future is bright for this position group, and fans can expect to see plenty of highlights from Georgia’s tight ends in the coming season.