Kirby Smart addresses uniqueness of Brock Bowers, evolution of position

Brock Bowers burst onto the scene last year as a freshman tight end, leading Georgia in receiving as the Bulldogs won their first national championship in 40 years. But this year — especially in the last two games — he’s becoming a weapon in the running game, adding to his advanced skillset.

Kirby Smart said that’s because Bowers’ game is changing as tight end usage changes.

Bowers had two rushes for 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in Georgia’s win over Kent State last season. In fact, he has three carries so far this year and has found the end zone on all of them. His name is coming up in Heisman Trophy circles, as well, and Smart said Bowers’ game fits in well with the modernization of the tight end position.

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“He’s unique. But I think the position has evolved, right?” Smart said. “He’s evolved with the position. As he was growing up and younger, he saw tight ends doing things in the NFL that the traditional tight end of the New York Giants, lining up in 13 personnel with three o-lineman as tight ends, is no longer the tight end. It’s not what it was. He didn’t necessarily just play tight end in high school. If you’ve watched his high school tape, he was not really just a tight end. I think part of the sell in recruiting was, ‘You won’t be used just as a tight end.’

“Now, tight ends are different within tight ends just like receivers are different within receivers and running backs are different within running backs. James Cook was not Zamir White. They’re different people. DBs, there’s a star, there’s a safety, there’s a corner. There’s this variety that never really existed. But now at tight end, there’s a variety within the tight end room that I think exists, which makes him different. And it’s OK to be different at that position because offenses have modernized and he’s been part of that evolution.”

In addition to his newfound rushing success, Bowers also has 276 receiving yards and two touchdowns to his name through three games. He continues to be a key weapon for Stetson Bennett and the offense, and they’ll try to keep things rolling this week against Mizzou.