ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia came up short against Florida last Saturday, but redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray and sophomore tight end Orson Charles no longer get ribbed by Bulldogs coaches.
The two former teammates at Tampa’s Plant High connected six times in the 34-31 overtime loss for 108 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. The receptions and yardage were career highs for Charles, who had 10 catches through Georgia’s first eight games.
“Coaches have joked a lot about ‘Where has that connection been from you guys in high school?'” Murray said. “It was nice to finally get a great game with him. He’s had a tremendous year all year. When he’s had his opportunities, he’s made plays, and he’s done a tremendous job in the blocking game. Even though he doesn’t have tons of stats, he continues to get better every week.”
Charles didn’t have the only 100-yard receiving game last week, as redshirt sophomore split end Tavarres King had three catches for 104 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown. Both players benefited from the Gators focusing on junior flanker A.J. Green, and they may have provided an early glimpse at what next season could look like.
Green was recently rated by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper as the No. 2 prospect in the 2011 NFL draft, should he decide to leave after this season.