Brock Bowers proves why he should be SEC Freshman of the Year

Georgia football dominated Charleston Southern thanks to an explosive offensive performance and another shutdown defensive effort.

Tight end Brock Bowers had two touchdowns in the game, bringing his total touchdown number to nine on the year, including his one rushing score.

Of all the impact players who have stepped up in a big way this season for the Bulldogs, Bowers might be at the top of the list.

When Georgia prepared for their massive Week 1 showdown against Clemson to start the 2021 season, they received a massive blow when their 6-7 sophomore tight end and freak athlete Darnell Washington went down with an injury.

Georgia’s receiving corps was already thin after several injuries during the preseason, which did not do them any favors.

Brock Bowers has shined for Georgia football and deserves to be the frontrunner for 2021 SEC Freshman of the Year.

Enter Bowers, a former 4-star tight end from Napa, CA, who had to step up in a big way for the Dawgs, and he delivered.

Bowers ended up leading the team with six catches for 43 yards in the victory against the Tigers. He followed that up the following week by gaining 107 yards and two touchdowns against UAB, including one where he outran the entire Blazer defense.

On that play, he had a top speed of 21.9 miles per hour. When was the last time you saw an NFL tight end not named Travis Kelce or George Kittle run that fast?

After those performances, Georgia fans realized that they had a special player on their hands. On the year so far, Bowers has 34 catches for 552 yards. He should be first on the list when discussing candidates for the 2021 SEC Freshman of the Year award.

Here are other SEC freshmen who could be up for the award this season:

• DB Tysheem Johnson, Ole Miss: 39 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 INT
• RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn: 77 carries, 556 yards, 4 total TDs
• WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia: 24 catches, 376 yards, 3 TDs

With all due respect to those great players, Bowers has been the most impressive freshman by far. Even with Darnell Washington healthy again, he continues to get plenty of playing time thanks to his talent and impact on this Georgia offense.

If Bowers were to win the award, he would be the first Georgia player to win SEC Freshman of the Year since former quarterback Jake Fromm won it back in 2017. Former running back and current Cleveland Brown star Nick Chubb also won it back in 2014.

With such versatility, Todd Monken can use Bowers in virtually any type of situation. He excels at catching, running, and blocking. He is truly a unicorn and should be the favorite for SEC Freshman of the Year.

Look for him on Sundays in a few years too.