Tag: John Fitzpatrick UGA

Georgia football TE John Fitzpatrick gives injury update ahead of Clemson

Fitzpatrick has missed a large part of fall camp with an injury. Here’s his status for the Bulldogs’ matchup with Clemson on Saturday.

Game week is here and the excitement around Georgia football is only building. The No. 5 Bulldogs take on No. 3 Clemson in Charlotte on Saturday night.

While all signs point to a great matchup, Georgia has been dealing with a multitude of injuries, specifically at receiver and tight end.

According to coach Kirby Smart, star receivers Arik Gilbert and George Pickens are out and we know that Dominick Blaylock is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last year, which means, at best, Blaylock is questionable.

There is, however, great news for the Bulldogs at tight end. Georgia’s starter from a year ago, John Fitzpatrick, is back and ready to go versus the Tigers after missing part of fall camp with a foot injury.

Oct 10, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end John FitzPatrick (86) is brought down by Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m good to go, and I’m excited to contribute through the run game and pass game and all facets of the game,” Fitzpatrick told reporters on Monday.

“I’m really excited, right now we have our first Monday practice – I’m excited to attack this practice this week,” FitzPatrick said. “There’s tons of excitement around the team and the locker room, and we feel ready.”

College football analyst Cole Cubelic recently named Fitzpatrick as one of the league’s top-returning tight ends.

That means Georgia has one less spot to worry about filling for Saturday night, however, the Bulldogs will likely still be missing star tight end Darnell Washington, who underwent surgery last week to repair a foot injury. That said, Kirby Smart has recently stated that his injury is day-to-day.

We may not see Washington, but freshman Brock Bowers has been turning heads at fall camp. The 6-foot-5, 230 pound true freshman’s speed and play-making ability may give Georgia that boost at tight end it needs with Washington out.

Here’s what the tight end lineup may look like on Saturday:

  • John Fitzpatrick
  • Brock Bowers
  • Darnell Washington (questionable)
  • Brett Seither
  • Ryland Goede

 

“UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is back! This week J.C. is joined by college football analyst Josh Pate to answer questions surrounding Georgia football and break down what to look for versus Clemson! Listen here:

Georgia football player card: TE Darnell Washington

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington will wear the No. 0 this season for the University of Georgia

Darnell Washington, Tight End (No. 0):

Class: Freshman

Height: 6-7

Weight: 260 pounds

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

High School: Desert Pines

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington will wear the No. 0 this season for the University of Georgia. The NCAA allowed players to wear the number this offseason to avoid jersey number confusion.

Washington is one of the most talented tight end recruits in UGA history. He comes to Athens after being rated as a five-star in the class of 2020. Washington helped Desert Pines average 43.6 points per game throughout his senior season. He also played high school basketball.

Washington played in the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game and announced his commitment to Georgia during the contest.

The Bulldogs are replacing tight ends Eli Wolf and Charlie Woerner, an NFL draft selection. Washington is projected to start at tight end in passing situations later in the 2020 season.

Tre McKitty, an FSU transfer is more experienced, so expect him to be the run blocker for the Dawgs. Both compete with John FitzPatrick, the most experienced returning tight end, for playing time.

Washington also adds value for the Bulldogs after the catch. Look at the tenacity on his stiff arms here:

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Georgia Bulldogs football player card: TE Tre’ McKitty

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Tre’ McKitty transferred to the University of Georgia from Florida State University.

Tre’ McKitty, Tight End (No. 87):

Class: Graduate Student

Height: 6-5

Weight: 245 pounds

Hometown: Wesley Chapel, Florida

High School: IMG Academy

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Tre’ McKitty transferred to the University of Georgia following the end of the 2019 college football season. McKitty left Florida State University.

McKitty projects as the starting tight end on Georgia’s roster next season. He’ll face some solid competition, but the experience he gained at FSU (played in 35 games) sets him apart from the rest of the group. The Bulldogs are replacing Eli Wolf and NFL draft selection Charlie Woerner.

Georgia added class of 2020 five-star TE Darnell Washington this offseason. Washington is projected to be McKitty’s main competitor for the starting role.  They figure to all compete with John FitzPatrick, the most experienced returning tight end, for playing time.

McKitty racked up 520 total yards at FSU. He was a three-star recruit coming out of IMG Academy. He enters the season on the Mackey Award watch list. He can block too:

 

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UGA football player card: TE John Fitzpatrick

Georgia Bulldogs tight end John Fitpatrick played in eleven games last season as a freshman.

John Fitzpatrick, Tight End (#86):

Class: Redshirt sophomore

Height: 6-6

Weight: 230 pounds

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

High School: Marist High School

Georgia Bulldogs tight end John Fitpatrick played in eleven games last season. He recorded one catch against Murray State. The Marist High School product played in two games during the 2018 season. He was able to redshirt during this season.

Fitzpatrick will have a change to see more snaps next season. He may be the best blocking tight end on Georgia’s roster. The Dawgs are replacing Eli Wolff and 49ers draft selection Charlie Woerner.

Georgia added Florida State transfer Tre’ McKitty and 2020 five-star TE Darnell Washington this offseason. They figure to compete with Fitzpatrick for playing time.

McKitty racked up 520 yards over the last two seasons at FSU.

Here’s a look back at when he committed to the University of Georgia:

He’ll face a battle to start, but should play in every game this season when healthy.

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