Three OCs in three years has been a challenge, but Blazevich not deterred

Tight end Jeb Blazevich won’t lie – having three different offensive coordinators in the three years he's been at Georgia has been a little bit of a challenge.

Especially as far as the terminology is concerned.

While many of the plays themselves are similar, Blazevich joked that the biggest problem so far has been just getting down the terminology and remembering what’s what.

“I was telling somebody the other day. It’s been a blur. Even Greyson (Lambert), who just went through last year, we were talking about a play and we were like was that a me-go or was that something else?” Blazevich said. “I think the hardest part is just finding the right words for the same play. But it’s been a great transition so far. We’re going in, we’re progressing more and the player-led 7-on-7s I think is where we’re starting to grow and you’re seeing people start to lead other people. It’s a great culture.”

No, it’s not that new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is making it more difficult.

On the contrary. It’s just different.

“It’s an evil necessity to learn new stuff. I’m studying more for that because of academics because the workload is much more,” he said. “It’s hard to stay on top but everybody has been grinding in their playbook this summer, which I’m very happy to see. Guys are getting together with the coaches to ask questions.”

One thing’s for sure, Blazevich said he and the rest of Georgia’s offense is not looking back, declining to discuss last year’s offense under Brian Schottenheimer and ahead to what’s in store under Chaney.

“We’re focused on the here and now. I’m going to leave that to last year, but I will say coming up we’re amped,” he said. “We’re so amped to be playing North Carolina, especially me being from Charlotte. Last season seems like two seasons ago.”

So far, so good, although obviously there’s a lot of work to get done.

“Although spring ball went well in terms of players being responsive to the new coaches, it's the next six weeks that will determine the outcome of our season and success of our season,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “These next six weeks are the focal point for us moving forward. We've got to find a way to get our freshman class that just came in married up with the current roster we have and make sure those guys get the right seats on the bus.”

Blazevich believes strides are being made.

“That’s the thing. These coaches have recruited so I feel we have all the players in place. It’s up to us to work hard which we have been doing,” he said. “I’ve gained constant confidence in all the quarterbacks. I’ve gained confidence with all the running backs and it’s not just being out there for 7-on-7. I see how they work. Coach Sinclair puts us through all kinds of adversity and I’ve seen their drive, their want-to, for lack of a better term, to get things done.”

But there are obviously challenges involved.

Having both Sony Michel and Nick Chubb questionable for the opener in the Georgia Dome against the Tar Heels is obviously one.

Although Smart said that Chubb will be able to take part in non-contact drills once fall camp begins, the jury is still out on exactly Michel and his surgically-repaired forearm as the result of his fall off an ATV will be back in the game, although the best guesstimate is 6-8 weeks.

“It stinks. I feel so bad for him,” Blazevich said of Michel. “But talk about a genetic freak that can bounce back fast. His body has always been top tier so I’m sure he’ll bounce back fast and I’m praying for a speedy recovery.”

In the meantime, the tight end likes what he’s seen from freshmen Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien.

“They’re humble and hungry. They understand, they’re trying to learn and they’re trying to develop, but they’re working hard and they’re ready to learn,” Blazevich said. “For new players, for anybody … if they can keep that attitude for four years they’ll be incredible.”

Of course, Blazevich is just as – if not more – excited about what he’s seeing from Georgia’s group of tight ends, which also include Jordan Davis, Jackson Harris, Isaac Nauta and Charlie Woerner.

Blazevich said he’s been particularly impressed with Woerner.

“It’s incredible. Even where he’s come from the beginning of summer to now. He’s working extremely hard,” Blazevich said. “He’s staying in the playbook and he’s learning tight end because this is the first time he’ll actually put his hand in the dirt so I’m excited to see him progress in that role. I think he’s the guy for it. He’s a freak athletically. Those Rabun County boys, I don’t know, they’ve been running those hills like crazy I guess. He’s been doing a great job so far.

“But all those guys are doing whatever they can. They’re working hard on that mental aspect, which is what it takes to be successful.”