Summer UGA football lookahead: Tight ends possess numerous options on offense
Once again, Georgia is loaded at tight end.
Three contributors from Georgia’s 2015 group return, with two talented freshmen joining the mix. Having five tight ends, with each one able to contribute in the passing game, should pay off in a big way for Georgia’s offense this season.
Of course, one of the major responsibilities of being a Georgia tight end will be blocking in the running game. And again, each player in this position group is up to task, which makes it one of the better units on the entire offense.
Players expected in the rotation: TE Jeb Blazevich, TE Jackson Harris, TE Jordan Davis, TE Isaac Nauta (freshman), TE Charlie Woerner (freshman).
How they fared in the spring: Georgia’s tight end group had a great spring, considering it’s probably the most talented position group on offense. And under offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, the production should trend upwards this season.
Blazevich finished the spring as Georgia’s top tight end target once again. His ability to make plays as a receiver and spring runs as a solid blocker makes him an ideal candidate to once again lead this group. But Blazevich will not be the only tight end getting involved in the offense, especially if the spring was indicative of anything.
Harris had a great spring too, highlighted by a great performance in the G-Day spring game. Harris caught seven passes for 53 yards, making it clear he’s more than just an in-line blocker. Harris will be an underneath target who can move the chains, while possessing the strength to push through for extra yardage after contact.
Davis, who is more of a receiving tight end, caught two passes for 36 yards at G-Day and gives the Bulldogs an interesting slot option at the position.
The tight end everyone wanted to see this spring was Nauta, an early enrollee who came to Georgia as the nation’s No. 1 recruit at the position. Nauta can be used in various ways, whether it’s as an H-back, in the slot or next to the tackle on the line of scrimmage.
Chaney has a history of getting a lot out of his tight ends, whether it was at Purdue, Tennessee, Arkansas or Pittsburgh. Based on how the spring went, that will be the same at Georgia.
What to watch in August: The development of the two freshman tight ends through August will be key in terms of what Georgia can do on offense with this position group.
Everyone knows what Georgia has in Blazevich. Harris is going to be a reliable option, and Davis offers the ability to stretch the field on posts and wheel routes. But Nauta and Woerner are the two wild cards possessing numerous ways for Georgia to advance the ball.
Nauta had a spring to learn the offense and earn valuable practice reps. Woerner will have to play catch-up, although his size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. If Woerner is able to earn the coaches’ trust and get the playbook down by Sept. 3, he’ll certainly play in the season opener against North Carolina. And at 6-foot-5 and 249 pounds, he can play in a three-point stance next to a tackle, as a slot receiver or as a wide receiver on the outside.
The options do appear limitless at this position as everyone at the position offers something different.
Breakout candidate: It’s a three-way tie between Harris, Nauta and Woerner.
In addition to Harris’ G-Day numbers, Nauta went for six catches, 56 yards and a touchdown. There’s a lot to like about all three of these tight ends. How effective the tight ends are in Georgia’s passing game could ultimately be what earns the offense more consistency in 2016.
Previous stories in this series
Looking ahead at Georgia’s defensive backs
Looking ahead at Georgia’s outside linebackers
Looking ahead at Georgia’s defensive line
Looking ahead at Georgia’s inside linebackers
Looking ahead at Georgia’s special teams
Looking ahead at Georgia’s wide receivers
This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 11:33 AM with the headline "Summer UGA football lookahead: Tight ends possess numerous options on offense."