Mark Richt rarely calls players out in the media unless he knows exactly what he's doing; In this case, talented redshirt freshman Jay Rome's effort and intensity in practice does not appear to match his elite athletic and pass-catching abilities, according to Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph.
With former tight ends Orson Charles and Aron White both now on NFL rosters, Georgia has a vacancy at the position that will need to be filled by several players with little game experience.
Rome rated as one of the country's best tight end prospects out of high school in Valdosta, Ga., and at 6-6 and 254 pounds, he has every tool necessary to turn into one of Aaron Murray's favorite targets.
To do that, Richt says he'll need to improve his work in run-blocking schemes and in making each rep in practice count, according to Emerson. Richt seems to believe that a bit of a public scolding will give the redshirt freshman a needed kick in the pants.
With Arthur Lynch as the only other program veteran on the roster at tight end, Rome will have to play a significant role this season.
For more on the Georgia Bulldogs, head over to Dawg Sports, and be sure to check out SBNation's dedicated college football hub.