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Georgia tight end returns, ready for Week 1 opener vs. Clemson

Nakos updated headshotby:Pete Nakos08/30/21

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Georgia
A key member of the passing game will be back for Saturday. (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

JT Daniels will have another weapon to use in the passing game when Georgia kicks off the season Saturday night. Bulldogs tight end John FitzPatrick will be available, he announced Monday on a Zoom call.

“I’m really excited, right now we have our first Monday practice — I’m excited to attack this practice this week,” FitzPatrick said. “There’s tons of excitement around the team and the locker room, and we feel ready.

“I’m good to go, and I’m excited to contribute through the run game and pass game and all facets of the game.”

Georgia coach Kirby Smart also announced Monday that tight end turned wide receiver Arik Gilbert still has not rejoined the team. Earlier this month, Smart announced the LSU transfer was not practicing due to personal issues.

Getting FitzPatrick is a huge boost for Daniels. Along with Gilbert, tight end Darnell Washington is not expected to play Saturday against Clemson. A 6-foot-7, 250-pound junior is a mismatch problem for defenses; he finished with 10 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown last season. ESPN’s Cole Cubelic also ranked FitzPatrick in his top-five tight ends in the SEC.

Daniels and FitzPatrick have a budding chemistry in the passing game, too. The two connected for four times for 41 yards in the 24-21 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati last season.

“Fitz and I are great friends, it’s having a guy you know where he’s going to be, he knows all his assignments,” Daniels said. “You know he’ll fix things you don’t think about; there are a lot of variables to running and offense, and a guy like Fitz, who knows what we’re trying to do, plays a big role in fixing what we’re trying to do …. things don’t always come in right from the sideline.

“Athletically, he’s underrated in terms of what he can do as a pass-catcher and as a blocker.”

Can Bulldogs finally put the pieces together?

In recent years, Georgia has had a top-notch defense. But they have struggled on the offensive side of the ball. This season, with Daniels under center, Georgia has a real chance to challenge for the national championship. 

Paul Finebaum recently spoke about Georgia’s chances of making the College Football Playoff. 

“Should Georgia win [against Clemson], and I think they will, they have a great opportunity to move up probably to number two,” Finebaum said. “I think there’s an outside shot of No. 1 if Alabama looks poor in its opener. To me, Georgia after that only has one really big game during the season and that’s Florida. 

“They’ll probably have to deal with Alabama at the end of the year. That won’t be easy. But I like their chances.”

The path back to the College Football Playoff begins on Saturday night in Charlotte. Picking up a win over Clemson would be a huge resume booster, and having John FitzPatrick back in the mix will be crucial to success in the passing game.