The Georgia offense will be looking for a new number one option at receiver this fall.
Star George Pickens is taking his high-flying talents to the NFL, which leaves an opportunity for a young pup like sophomore Adonai Mitchell, who helped seal the National Championship game with the infamous fourth quarter touchdown catch, as well as a resurgent Dominick Blaylock.
Blaylock started strong as a freshman with 18 receptions for 310 yards and five scores in 2019 but injuries have derailed the junior’s last two seasons.
After not taking a snap in 2020, Blaylock was able to work his way back from ACL and hamstring injuries to record two catches last season.
UGA coach Kirby Smart was asked about Blaylock in a spring practice press conference last week,
“He’s doing well. He’s been pretty consistent. The off-season program was good for him in terms of getting confidence, changing direction, doing some things well. I think he would be the first to tell that he’s still rusty, but he’s so confident with the ball. He catches the ball really well. He’s smart, very savvy. He’s a great route runner in the slot.”
The Bulldogs are suffering depth issues at receiver with tight ends Darnell Washington, Brock Bowers and Ryland Goede out for the spring.
Arik Gilbert has moved over from receiver to tight end to help with the void, which makes Blaylock’s return at receiver even more pivotal.
“He brings some veteran experience. Really right now anyone with experience is a veteran because we don’t have many guys with a lot of experience there. He’s done a tremendous job,” Smart said. “Dom never complains. He works and handles the cards he’s been dealt very well, and he’s had some really tough resiliency. He has overcome it. I’m really proud of Dom.”