Kirby Smart calls out Oscar Delp’s biggest strength as Georgia prepares to face Alabama at Sanford Stadium

And it’s not his blocking skills.

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp (4) in action against the Austin Peay Governors in the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium.

The Georgia Bulldogs will face the Alabama Crimson Tide at home on Saturday night.

The Dawgs are going to need all of their playmakers to show up against a stout Bama defense, including tight end Oscar Delp.

Delp has had a quiet start to the season over the last three weeks when it comes to catching passes, but while he may not be lighting up the stat sheet, he’s making an impact as a blocker, and that’s something head coach Kirby Smart notably appreciates about him.

“Well, he’s got unbelievable physical toughness,” Smart said. “He’s had really good health, knock on wood. He takes a lot of reps because even when Brock was here and those guys were here, he took a lot of reps and a lot of workload. He’s really tough. His strength is probably his toughness and his point of attack blocking. You know, it’s hard to find guys that can block SEC-type 6 techniques and 9 techniques, and there’s a place for that on our level and levels above. He’s caught the ball really well. He made some really big plays in big times last year in the SEC championship and even in the Tennessee game. 

“I appreciate the way he goes about his work. He doesn’t complain. He buys into the team. He and Lawson have been really consistent.”

Blocking is Far from Oscar Delp’s Biggest Strength

Of course, everything Delp does on the field matters, though it’s his actions off the field that Smart considers his greatest strength.

“No, I would say his maturity is the biggest growth area,” Smart said when asked if blocking is Delp’s biggest strength. “He was, I wouldn’t say a knucklehead early on, but he had his moments. He had his days when he was, you know, like all freshmen, struggling to make it through the practice. It was hard on him. We pushed him hard. You don’t ever notice that with him anymore. Really, since last year, he pushes through practice, he gives good effort. He has the physical and mental stamina to sustain through a good two-hour practice. That’s the most growth he’s made. He was always physical, but he has become a better all-around tight end.”

Heading into Week 5’s matchup against Alabama, Delp has hauled in three receptions for 51 yards. The hope is to get more involved in the passing game down the stretch and make some game-changing plays, but for now, he’s doing a great job both during the game and in the locker room.

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