Sedrick Van Pran explains how he's using his experience as advice for younger teammates

College bowl season is an exciting time for fans to watch intriguing cross-conference matchups and playoff football games. But for players, it’s a trip to a destination city that comes with a week of practice, meetings, and an array of different scheduled activities leading up to the actual bowl game. But for Georgia third-year offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran, this isn’t his first rodeo, as he spoke about managing all that comes with playing in a bowl game.

“I definitely want to say we appreciate the Chick-fil-A Bowl for giving us the opportunity to do all these great things, but with all due respect to them, ultimately we do want to focus on the game and make sure that we’re staying focused,” Van Pran said. “But ultimately I think it’ll be good for some of the guys to kind of get an hour or two away and relax, but ultimately knowing what our goal is.”

From go-karting, to gift suites, to luncheons, there are plenty of non-football-related activities that players have to participate in during the week of the bowl game. And while many are entertaining and enjoyable, they could either serve as a much-needed break for players or a potential distraction.

Thankfully for the Bulldogs, College Football Playoff and bowl appearances are not new territory for them, and experienced players like Van Pran are able to share their wisdom from their past bowl experience to Georgia’s younger players.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve been trying to stress to everyone is the use of your time. It can really get away from you, you kind of think we’re in a hotel, it’s not a typical everyday schedule, just meetings and practice. But you really have to use your time wisely and understand that you’re there for a reason because before you know it the game will be there,” Van Pran said.

As game day nears closer and closer, the Bulldogs’ focus will narrow more and more on their National Championship defense and taking care of business in their semifinal matchup versus Ohio State. And in that game, Van Pran and the offensive line will be a key factor.

Van Pran has started all 13 games at center this season for the Bulldogs, helping lead Georgia to a top-20 rushing attack in the country and keeping quarterback Stetson Bennett‘s jersey clean, as he ended the year as one of the last sacked quarterbacks in the nation.

A championship level of focus and effort will be required for the Bulldogs to secure a win this Saturday, and hopefully for Georgia, they can lean on the leadership of players like Van Pran to bring them back to the National Champions game once again.