ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia sophomore tight end Orson Charles was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 7 receiver and the No. 62 prospect nationally in the 2009 signing class, but he realizes how little that means on this year’s offense.
The ’09 class for the Bulldogs also contained Aaron Murray, the No. 3 quarterback nationally; Washaun Ealey, the No. 11 running back; and Arthur Lynch, the No. 2 tight end. Before them were A.J. Green, the No. 2 receiver in the 2008 class; Aron White, the No. 1 tight end in the 2007 class; and Caleb King, the No. 8 running back in ’07.
“That’s one thing you’ve got to recognize right away,” Charles said. “Everybody was a superstar back home, but everybody has to play their role once they come here in order to help the team win. Our coaches stress to us that we each have a role in which we can help our team.”
No position on Georgia’s team has more depth than tight end, where Charles, White and Bruce Figgins all have multiple career starts. Lynch has yet to start but showed he’s ready to emerge at the G-Day spring game by catching two passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Figgins (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) and Lynch (6-5, 254) are the biggest in the quartet, while Charles (6-3, 235) and White (6-4, 236) have proven to be pass-catching threats who could help if Georgia’s thin receiving corps gets thinner. Even if the receivers stay healthy, coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo believe the depth at tight end will enhance an offense already with lofty expectations.