There was a lot to like about Georgia’s Week 1 drubbing of Tennessee State, even if it’s hard to put much stock into a blowout win over an over-matched opponent. That’s what these big programs are supposed to do after all.
Still, it was a fun opportunity to watch some of Georgia’s young players in their first real game setting of 2026. The entire Bulldog tight end group stood out, veteran Lawson Luckie was throwing crazy blocks, Jaden Reddell was impossible to tackle and Kaiden Prothro turned his first career catch into a touchdown.
But the most enticing fusion of blocking and receiving ability put on display came from sophomore tight end Elyiss Williams.
Elyiss Williams showed how great he can be for Georgia
Williams caught two passes for 36 yards and his first career touchdown last week against Tennessee State. His touchdown was the play that stood out the most as Williams released from his block, peeled out, caught the ball and then leapt over and past a would-be tackler for the 17-yard score.
The blocking he displayed stood out too as he punished opposing defenders all Saturday,
Head coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday he noticed Williams’ physicality from the moment he first arrived in Athens.
“He's never been shy from contact,” he said. “You never know sometimes where guys are from, how much football they've played. He played basketball, and he's a tremendous athlete. But he was never afraid of the physicality from the time he got here. He's gotten better at that, but it's more technique-based than it was toughness-based.”
It’s not the first time Smart has lauded Williams’ physicality. Not even the first time in the last week.
“He's as physical a blocker as maybe I've seen in my career of coaching for a tight end,” Smart said last week. “He enjoys the physicality of what he does. He's really improved as a pass catcher. He's improved as a run after catch guy. To do what he does without complaint or worrying about his individual numbers is impressive.”
“Whether it's in the run game, pass protection game, or the passing game, I’ve been really pleased with his effort.”
Williams said blocking is something he takes a lot of pride in, and he was molded by battles in practice last year from the first-team defense to the scout team. He alluded to how he wouldn’t have earned the trust of his coaches or teammates to get on the field without it.
“That really helped me,” Williams said of those early practice experiences. “Just not taking it for granted, it’s just something I really want to do, be better at.”
Darnell Washington is the perfect comparison to Elyiss Williams
It’s easy to compare Williams to former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. They’ve got similar size with Williams is listed at 6-foot-7, 255 lbs and Washington at 6-foot-7, 270 lbs. Both are massive tight ends with crushing blocking ability as well.
But there might just be more upside to Williams as a receiver. He’s a bit lighter, quicker and a better route runner. He reportedly stood out in training camp for his ability to separate at his size. And he’s already a third of the way towards Washington’s career touchdown total at Georgia.
“In this offense, you do everything,” Williams said. “You block, run routes, do all that. I’d just say they put you in positions to be successful.”
Georgia has an incredibly crowded tight end room. Luckie is the veteran, Reddell the speedster, Williams the size mismatch and Prothro the enticing youngster.
They all offer a different flavor. And it could give Georgia one of the best position groups in the country. Seeing who winds up with the most snaps will be a fascinating development late in the year.
“It's a competitive room, but at the end of the day we’re trying to make the offense better,” Williams said. “So anything that's for the offense that makes it better. We don't really get into all that. We’re just some guys who come to work every day.”
Williams looks like he can make this offense a whole lot better not just this season but for many years to come.
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