King "wowing" Dawgs

ATHENS – Georgia’s fans and coaches are eager for the arrival of freshman wide receiver A.J. Green in the fall, but the receiver of the future may already be on campus.

Tavarres King, a freshman from Habersham Central High School who enrolled early and is participating this spring, has wowed his teammates several times already, most notably by leaping to catch a Hail Mary touchdown pass in Friday’s scrimmage.

“He probably can’t touch higher than I can,” said 6-foot-5 wide receiver Kris Durham, “but his feet were higher off the ground than I can get.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has been impressed by the mental approach of King, who set the state record for receiving yards in a season last year with 1,632 yards on 99 catches.

“We knew he had talent, but a lot of times when freshmen come in they tend to be a little hesitant,” Bobo said. “I don’t want to use the word scared, just a little unsure of themselves. He doesn’t know everything, but he has not played scared. I think he’s got a chance to be a special player for us.”

King’s size – 6-foot-1, 170 pounds – is a concern, but, so far, he has overcome that with a natural feel for the position, Bobo said.

“He’s got natural stick moves, and he’s got a burst,” Bobo said. “When the ball is in the air, he’s got a burst to be able to go get it, a second gear.”