Georgia's Practice Structure and Culture Key to Keeping Georgia's Talented Tight End Room Happy
Since his return to Athens in 2019, Georgia Tight Ends Coach Todd Hartley has transformed the Georgia tight end room into one of the premier collections of tight ends in the nation. His recruiting prowess has become legendary as the Bulldogs have gained the commitment of at least one of the top-3 tight ends in the 247 Composite rankings in each of the last five recruiting cycles. While, a room that stacked with talent is the envy of most other tight end coaches around the country, it also presents a unique challenge to find a way to keep all of the talented players in the room happy when it comes to their playing time. Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Hartley addressed how he manages to keep all of his gifted tight ends happy and motivated.
Georgia Tight Ends Coach Todd Hartley coaches his players up during a practice in Athens, Georgia. Hartley consistently keeps Georgia's tight end room among the most talented in the nation.
According to Hartley, "kids are happy when they get reps," and it is the program's ability to provide reps and opportunities for growth and development for each of its tight ends that accounts for his success in keeping each of his players motivated and engaged.
"I think we do a phenomenal job at Georgia of getting kids reps. One, that increases their development. Two, it keeps them involved. The way we practice here, I think, is unlike any other place in the country. The way Kirby organizes these practices, y’all have been out there. There’s not one person standing around ever, not even the injured guys. Kids are constantly getting better. If they feel like they’re working, if they feel like they’re getting developed, then naturally they’re going to be happy."
Ultimately, though, the Georgia tight ends coach understands there are only so many opportunities to catch passes in games and it his responsibility to ensure that Georgia's best playmakers at the position are involved in the game plan.
"Now it does come back at some point, there’s only one football. You’ve got to find a way to get your playmakers involved and show them that they could have a chance to change the game plan."
Georgia Tight Ends Brock Bowers (19) and Oscar Delp (4) communicate between reps at a Georgia football practice. Photo Tony Walsh / UGAA
While Georgia's practice structure and approach to developing its players has been a key factor in maintaining a positive culture within both the tight end room and the Georgia football team at large, Hartley also credited the character of the players and the camaraderie among the group.
"These guys, specifically in my room, I think they’re a special group. I think they’re very well connected. They truly care about each other. We talk about feeding the fire and being truly selfless, putting the team first in all that we do. You’ve got to check your ego. In today’s world, guess what, checking your ego, especially when you have five stars and four-stars, is hard to do. But at this place, you better learn to do that real fast. I think my guys have done a great job of doing that."
While it can be challenging to keep a collection of former blue-chip prospects happy, especially when there are only so many snaps to go around, Hartley has mastered the challenge, and, in the process, has created a culture that continues to make Georgia one of the most attractive destinations for prep tight ends in the entire country.
