The Georgia Bulldogs are known for having good, tight play. From Randy McMichael to Orson Charles, the Bulldogs tight ends have always played at a high level.
This year is no different, as Arthur Lynch is considered the best tight end in the SEC and one of the best tight ends in the country.
Lynch may not be the best tight end to ever wear the red and black, but when the 2013 season is all said and done, he will be the winner of the Mackey Award, which is given to the top tight end in the country.
We all know about the Bulldogs main weapons such as Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, Malcolm Mitchell, Michael Bennett, Chris Conley and Aaron Murray. But Lynch is right there with them, and he proved it last season with 24 catches for 431 yards and three touchdowns.
Those numbers are strong for a tight end, but what makes it more impressive is that Lynch started the season as a blocking specialist and never got the opportunity to be a target for Murray. But as the season progressed, Lynch became a dangerous target down the middle of the field.
With this being his senior season, Lynch wants to finish strong. Lynch and Murray already have a great relationship since they are roommates. Murray showed more trust in Lynch towards the end of the season, and there is no reason that won’t carry over into 2013.
Even if Murray did not have so much trust in Lynch, odds are he would have to find that trust this season. The Bulldogs offense has a target on their back, and defenses are going to try to shut down Gurley, Marshall and the trio of receivers. Because of that, Murray will have to use Lynch more than he would last year, which means Lynch’s numbers should increase when it comes to receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
The only problem is that the Bulldogs have another talented tight end in Jay Rome. The sophomore from Valdosta, Georgia made only one start last season, but appeared in all 14 games and tallied 11 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. There’s a chance that Rome could see more snaps this season, but it’s clear that Lynch is the starter and he will get the opportunity to succeed.
Lynch will have some competition for the Mackey Award. Notre Dame’s Ben Koyack and Troy Niklas made the list as well as USC’s Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer. But those two schools, as well as a good amount of schools that have a tight end on the Mackey Award Watch List, don’t possess the offense like Georgia does. Lynch is not going to win the Mackey Award with ease, but if he continues to improve and make the most of the opportunities that will be given to him, he will have that trophy in his hands on December 12.
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