Tight end Jeb Blazevich runs during Georgia's game with the Florida Gators.
When the Georgia Bulldogs fell to Georgia Tech in overtime on Nov. 29, they lost their opportunity at a coveted postseason trip to the Orange Bowl or Peach Bowl.
The eventual destination worked out well, however, for Bulldogs freshman tight end Jeb Blazevich.
Georgia's bid to the Belk Bowl against Louisville on Dec. 30 will be a journey home for Blazevich, who this time last year was a student at Charlotte Christian High School. The 6-foot-5, 232-pounder grew up watching NASCAR races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as well as Carolina Panthers games at Bank of America Stadium.
"I was pumped when it was announced," Blazevich said. "Growing up, I've always wanted to play on that field."
Blazevich is scheduled to make an 11th consecutive start for the Bulldogs in his hometown, having supplanted redshirt junior Jay Rome in the lineup early in the season. With 16 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns, he ranks fifth on the team in catches and third in yardage behind senior receivers Chris Conley and Michael Bennett.
In a 44-17 thumping of Vanderbilt on Oct. 4, Blazevich had three catches for 86 yards, the highest yardage total by a Bulldogs freshman tight end since Georgia began keeping freshman records in 1979.
"Jeb was the right kind of guy to fill that role as a freshman," coach Mark Richt said. "He's very smart, and he's very conscientious. He came in with some pretty good strength, and when your technique is good and you battle, then you've got a chance."
Blazevich admits there are plays he would love to have back but said he can't complain too much about how his freshman season has transpired.
"I feel like I've always had high expectations for myself," he said. "The guys and the coaches here draw out the best in you on the field and off the field. I've been thankful to have the opportunity to be able to get better every day.
"I'm really thankful for the team and the other tight ends for helping me out."
Blazevich, who scored both of his touchdowns in the 63-31 win at Kentucky on Nov. 8, has seemingly handled every challenge that has come his way. Next in that department is serving as a tour guide as the only Charlotte resident among Georgia's scholarship players.
"I've never really hung out in the city," he said. "I know where to fish or hang out when you're bored, but I don't know where to bring a hundred guys."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.