At 6’7″, Georgia tight end Darnell Washington is a giant of a man. But it’s not just his physical stature that the Bulldogs have to replace. With Washington declaring for this year’s NFL draft, the Big Man from Las Vegas leaves the tight end room in Athens bare.
Indeed with Ryland Goode, Brett Seither, and Arik Gilbert having entered the transfer portal, the question that Dawgs fans must be asking is, who is left to play at that position?
Well, fear not Dawg fans, the No.1 tight end in the country (shush Irish fans) and in my opinion the BEST player in the country, Brock Bowers is still in Athens. It is incredible that Bowers has only just completed his Sophomore year and yet has two National Championship rings in his pocket.
So no sleepless nights for Tight Ends coach, Todd Hartley yet.
With Washington being injured in the Peach Bowl, there was a real question mark that he might not be fit enough to play in the final game. Oscar Delp was in the wings waiting and it’s fair to say hopes and expectations for the Freshman from Cumming, GA are high.
However, it’s not like the freshman hasn’t seen action during this first season for Georgia — actually, far from it. Delp, who played a reserve role, saw action in 11 of 13 games with 5 catches for 61 yards including a catch for 28 yards and a touchdown in the win against South Carolina.
Significantly, Delp got invaluable experience playing against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State, which will prove vital in the coming seasons. So the future is bright for Delp.
Darnell Washington, others turning Georgia football into Tight End U
If this isn’t enough, Georgia also recruited heavily at the tight end position with both Lawson Luckie and Pearce Spurlin committing to Georgia in 2023. Both players were ranked highly (No. 8 and No. 3, respectively) with both in the nation’s top 10 at the position — meaning Georgia continues to have a strong tight end room for the coming season.
Both of those recruits are now on campus, giving them every chance to hit the ground running when the team starts back in earnest.
Speculation continues that Hartley is not yet finished recruiting with the No. 1 and No. 5 tight end prospects, Duce Robinson and Walker Lyons, still being pursued aggressively by Georgia. Which would be quite the statement of intent if that is what ends up happening.
But regardless, starting spring camp with Bowers and Delp must be a coach’s dream and Georgia continues its defense of their second successive National Championship in a strong position. In fact, find me a better tight end room in the country and I’ll be shocked.
These are good, no great times to be a Dawg fan!