Darnell Washington Becoming Major Target in Georgia Bulldog Offense
DON’T MISS OUT: Get our insider newsletter today!
ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are looking for more consistency on offense, and they’re getting it from tight end, Darnell Washington.
The former 5-star from Las Vegas has turned into one of the team’s best blockers in the run game, opening up holes on the edge for backs and on the perimeter for receivers.
At 6-foot-7 and over 270-pounds, it’s hard to find another player in college football quite like Washington. The big tight end knows his role and how important it is for him to block consistently, but his ability to help in the passing game has been a bright spot for the Georgia offense this year.
So far this season, Washington has caught 10 passes, which is the most he has all last season. He’s also gained 184 receiving yards, a career high. He also had his best receiving game of his career last weekend against Missouri, catching three passes for a career-high 64 receiving yards.
He makes it look easy, too. The big tight end is jumping over guys, bowling through tackles, and makes defenders wet their pants when he’s running full-steam at them. He’s a true weapon tat nobody else has in college football.
That’s why he needs to targets in the passing game...
The Georgia Bulldogs WIN the 2021 NATIONAL TITLE!
Check out DAWGSTRUCTION NOW!
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talked about Washington’s development to reporters on Monday.
“Well, since he got here he's matured so much”, Smart said about Washington. “He's taken ownership in his role on the team. He's a great ball-in-the-air guy. He is exceptional blocker. He has taken on his role in terms of displacement and movement on the perimeter, run game blocking, play-action, vertical passing. He's really just a better football player because he's bought into being in shape, bought into playing with toughness, he has bought into the team, and he has helped himself tremendously in terms of our team, helping us being a guy that can go get balls. Especially if you're struggling outside, this guy can go make plays on the ball in the air. I thought he showed that and probably had his best game of his career on Saturday night when we needed him most.”
Georgia needed guys on offense to step up against Missouri, especially late, and Washington was up to the task. With the Bulldogs banged up some at receiver, look to get Washington more involved in the passing game over the next few weeks. He’s long, athletic, and knows how to pick up yards after the catch.
He’s a special player, and it might be time for him to catch the ball a little more sooner than later.