On Tuesday, Oscar Delp took the podium after an excellent outing against the Florida Gators. Delp finished the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party with two receptions for 31 yards, but his contribution was much greater than the stat sheet shows. 

Delp has been the forefront of attention ever since All-American tight end Brock Bowers sustained a high ankle sprain that required surgery. Although Delp is immensely talented and has played significant minutes for the Bulldogs this season, many doubted that the West Forsyth product could fill Brock Bowers shoes. 

In many cases, Delp is the embodiment of the Georgia football program and all that it stands for. When Bowers went down, there was not a single soul on the Georgia team or coaching staff that panicked or felt anything had altered their path to a third consecutive national championship. When questioned over Delp’s preparation since being named the starter, Coach Kirby Smart told media members that nothing really had changed. He was adamant that the Bulldogs are not asking Oscar to be anything but himself, and he proved his capabilities this past Saturday. 

As the Bulldogs focus on the 12th ranked Missouri Tigers, they are fully aware that this may be the most difficult challenge the Dawgs have faced all season. Missouri, as many can recall, gave Georgia fits last year, possessing a double-digit lead for the majority of the game, before the Bulldogs ultimately came back and won late in the fourth quarter. 

This season, Missouri’s already impressive defense has only improved after returning a vast majority of starters from 2022. The Tigers have an impressive pass rush ranking fifth in the SEC in sacks with 24. It is critical that Georgia stays in front of the sticks on early downs, and Delp is a player you can expect to be heavily involved early in the game. With speed comparable to receivers and a massive size advantage over defensive backs, don’t be surprised if you see Carson Beck target the tight end often.