Darnell Washington only needed one word to describe the Georgia tight end room.

That's a lot of talent to sum up with only a couple syllables. There's sophomore Brock Bowers, back after one of the most impressive pass-catching seasons in Georgia history. There's also redshirt sophomore Arik Gilbert, who returns after being away from the team last season due to personal reasons.

But Washington is what will make the room go from very good to elite. After battling injuries in his Bulldog career, the 6-foot-7, 275-pound tight end is healthy and ready to break out in his third season in Athens.

So what word did Washington use to describe one of the best position groups in America?

"Mismatch," Washington said.

Washington appeared to be in line to take that next step earlier this spring. But after suffering a foot injury during preseason camp last year, misfortune struck again.

A foot injury sidelined Washington for the second time in his career this past spring. He watched from the sidelines, along with Bowers, as Gilbert received the lion's share of first-team reps.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said Washington had been in some of the best shape of his career before the injury. After working so hard to come back from the injury last fall, the second ailment sent Washington catapulting back toward square one in his rehab.

But Washington has worked hard to get back in shape with the season's kickoff less than a month away.

"He's really in a good spot," Smart said. "You know, he's a guy that I came in on Sunday, and he's out there running on his own on a day that was off. He's got a purpose. He's practicing to be driven. And excited to see, you know, what he can do. It's going to be important that we get him in good, physical conditioning shape to be good to go in this training camp.”

Washington said he tried hard to keep the frustration at bay following the second injury. After all, injuries happen in football all the time.

He instead has been focusing on improvements to his game. Washington has been working on his blocking, along with route running and gaining confidence on his foot.

"It’s not the same as before the break," Washington said. "After I broke it the second time, I’ve been trying to work on getting in and out of my breaks."

Georgia had one of the best tight end groups in the country last year with Bowers, an ailing Washington, and John FitzPatrick. Now the Bulldogs have Bowers, Washington, and Gilbert at full strength, along with freshman Oscar Delp.

If all goes according to plan for Smart and company, they'll be able to deploy that group of mismatches early and often in 2022.

"I guess I expect a lot from us," Washington said. "With most of the guys returning in the tight end room besides one, there’s guys that have been here. I just feel like we all can step up."