ATHENS, Ga. Georgia senior offensive lineman Watts Dantzler will take the field Dec. 30 at the Belk Bowl with the same number of career starts that he possessed as a wide-eyed freshman coming out of Dalton.
Dantzler isn't complaining, and neither is anybody else.
"Watts has done really well at times, and then there were other times where certain things kept him off the field," Bulldogs senior receiver Michael Bennett said. "He's been a solid backup, and he's going to get a degree from Georgia. There is a lot to be said for that and a lot to be said for being on a team for four years.
"I don't think he can look back and have a lot of regrets about his career here."
The biggest player on Georgia's roster at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Dantzler has played in 34 career games, including all 25 the past two seasons. He has practiced at every offensive-line position except center since signing as part of the "Dream Team" class of 2011 and has spent this season as Kolton Houston's backup at right tackle.
Dantzler was penciled in as the first-team right tackle entering preseason camp in 2012 but lost that role to touted newcomer John Theus, who started there for two seasons before switching to left tackle this year as a junior.
"Things kind of have a way of working out," Dantzler said. "God has a plan for everything, and Georgia football has been four years of my life. I've met so many good friends and developed so many good connections.
"I have played in some big games and helped my team however I could, so I don't really have any regrets."
Dantzler played in three blowout victories during the 2011 season before enduring his most frustrating year as a sophomore. After losing the starting job to Theus, Dantzler sprained his ankle in the opener against Buffalo and later suffered a knee bruise against Ole Miss.
Those setbacks resulted in Dantzler playing in just six of 14 games in 2012, but the past two seasons have provided some opportunities in which he could contribute in key situations. Dantzler was in for first-half drives during the 44-41 win over LSU last season and the 45-21 whipping of Clemson in this season's opener.
"Watts has been a good Bulldog," coach Mark Richt said. "Early on, like a lot of guys, he was a little immature, but he grew up as he went and got serious about everything on and off the field. He got to the point where he was right on the verge of cracking the starting lineup, but some other guys got the nod.
"He hasn't done anything but try to do his best and do it for Georgia, and I'm proud of him."
Dantzler's lack of starts this season is partly due to Georgia's first-team linemen going 60-for-60 in terms of staying healthy every game. This is the first season in which Richt had the same starting offensive line each week.
Away from the field, Dantzler is notorious for being a social media fanatic. He has nearly 14,000 Twitter followers.
"He's the social media king," guard Greg Pyke said. "He was one of the first people I met when I first came down here. I walked in and met him for the first time, and I just remember looking up."
Said center David Andrews: "Obviously he would have wanted some things to go differently, but I think he's done a great job. He's one of my best friends, and he's been a really hard worker."
Dantzler is scheduled to graduate in health and physical education in May 2016. He has "no idea" what he wants to do after college but believes working in sales or possibly coaching would be options because of his love for people.
Chances are, Dantzler won't regret whatever he chooses.
"It's been a fun four years, and I'm thankful that Coach Richt reached out and gave me a scholarship to play football here and get an education here," he said. "I have made a lot of good friends, and it's just been a great experience."
Odds and ends
Georgia wrapped up on-campus bowl practices Saturday with a 90-minute workout in full pads. The team will reconvene in Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon. ... Richt when asked by reporters whether his team seems motivated: "If it's gauged off of what happened this past week, then I'm really pleased." ... Todd Gurley will be at the bowl, according to Richt. ... Junior college linebacker signee Chucks Amaechi pronounces his first name "Chukes." ... Richt hopes to have at least six early enrollees.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.