The Georgia football 2022 recruiting class finished top 3 in the nation, the fifth time under head coach Kirby Smart’s leadership. It’s full of talented athletes who will keep the Dawgs competing at an elite level.
The stand-out player from the 2021 recruiting class was tight end Brock Bowers, who exploded onto the national scene with his physical talent — which took almost everyone by surprise.
He was the last freshmen sensation, but let’s talk about Oscar Delp, the next stud. One of the many 2022 stars, he has what it takes to make an immediate impact.
Georgia football may have another first-year player in Oscar Delp that can be a difference-maker.
Delp signed for Georgia back in December amidst stiff competition from South Carolina, Michigan and Clemson. But the play of Brock Bowers this past season swayed the mind of the 6-5, 220-pound tight end from Cummings, GA.
While Shane Beamer and his Gamecocks recruiting staff left a good impression on Delp, it wasn’t enough. The progress of the freshman Bowers under Todd Monken’s offensive guidance during the run to the National Championship helped make up Delp’s mind that Athens was where he wanted to play football.
Comparisons have already begun with Bowers. Delp excels in that wide receiver hybrid role with great hands and route running, all of which will make him a key target for starting quarterback Stetson Bennett as soon as Spring football starts.
Highly recruited tight end who will contribute from the get-go
According to 247Sports Composite, Delp was the No.2 tight end in the 2022 class and ranked No. 97 player overall.
His comparisons to Bowers are clear. At 6-5, he has the frame to develop that can and will put on more weight to help with the rigors of the college game.
Delp recorded a 4.6 40-yard time, and spookily, Bowers runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds.
His comparisons to a wide receiver, his ability for route running, and great hands when catching the ball have coaches excited about having Bowers 2.0 on the roster.
West Forsyth 17, South Forsyth 16. Oscar Delp gets in from 13 yards out to give West its first lead of the game, 11:42 4Q. pic.twitter.com/4fSBGaJVxE
— David Roberts (@FCNDavidRoberts) October 9, 2021
Scouting reports highlight his explosiveness off the line and his ability to move the ball after the catch, which is an essential part of the way Georgia utilizes its tight ends. Delp has less experience as an inline blocker, but a skill that tight ends coach Todd Hartley can help Delp develop in his first year on campus.
In fact, Delp already enrolled at Georgia, as he was one of the 18 early enrollees, which gets him a head start on learning that playbook. With Bowers out for spring practice, after having surgery, Delp will get an early introduction into playing time.
A prediction for Oscar Delp
All the signs are there that Delp can be a great addition to the Bulldogs roster. With Bowers’ impact in his first season, expectations will be high for Delp.
The coaching staff will need to manage these expectations, but the thought of having Bowers and Delp in the game plan is a fascinating one for the national champions. Without getting too ahead of ourselves, with the right coaching and continued development Delp can be as good as Bowers — a NFL talent in waiting.
There are SEC defensive coordinators already having sleepless nights. With Bowers embarking on his sophomore year and Darnell Washington looking to build on last season, the addition of Delp means this tight end room is stacked. This trio will be creating match-up nightmares for opposing defenses. Be excited, Georgia fans — be excited.