Georgia Football: Who is Oscar Delp? Why will the Dawgs be okay without Bowers?
By Max Tolbert
Who fills in for Brock Bowers at the tight end position for Georgia Football? This is a question that many have asked. The media and opposing fanbases have already written Georgia off. Many are giving the Dawgs championships hopes a slim chance. But many in the Dawg nation know the name that will fill in for Bowers and know he is one of the better tight ends in the country. That player’s name is Oscar Delp.
Who is Oscar Delp? Delp hails from Cumming, Georgia, where he played high school ball at West Forsyth. Delp was a 4-star recruit and the number-one tight end during his time at West Forsyth. Delp chose between 4 schools during his recruitment. Choosing between Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, and Michigan.
Those like myself who followed Delp’s recruitment know many believed South Carolina would be the landing spot for Delp. Some inside baseball here: Delps’ mom, Mary Delp, went to college at South Carolina. The decision went down to the wire, and Delp did not have his mind made up till a few days before the commitment ceremony. Delp chose the Dawgs on October 13th, 2021.
Delp was not only the number one tight end in the country, he was also the 51st player in the nation and the number 8 player in Georgia. Delp was an early enrollee for the Dawgs. Delp experienced the practices for the 2022 National Championship game. If you are as confused as I am on the national championship numbering system, that means Delp practiced with the 2021 team, prepping to play and beat Alabama.
Delp’s freshman campaign saw him be the third-string tight end behind Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. But when you think of third-string players, you probably think Delp did not get any playing time. But Delp had a ton of playing time. Delp saw action in 13 of 15 games during that season. Delp had five catches for 61 yards all season. His first touchdown came against South Carolina. The ball was thrown by none other than Carson Beck.
Delp, this season, has caught 13 passes for 160 yards for two touchdowns. Not many Georgia fans have worried about Delp’s ability to catch the ball, but rather his blocking ability. But do not worry; Delp has been a solid blocker for the Dawgs this season. Delp also has the size to punish defenders. Standing at 6’4 and this season, he has increased his weight from 225 to 245.
While Bowers’s injury anytime is bad, having it before the bye week is a plus for Delp and Bobo. Delp will have practice to get used to his new role, and Bobo can scheme plays around the absence of Bowers. I believe that the rest of the college football world that is rooting for the demise of Georgia Football will be shocked and upset when Delp is just fine filling in for Bowers. The world will learn about Oscar Delp one year earlier than expected.