ATHENS, Ga. — Jaden Reddell came to Georgia knowing he would have to develop. He just didn’t know how long it would take.

A highly recruited prospect out of Raymore-Peculiar High School in Missouri, Reddell arrived in Athens with the athleticism that made him one of the nation’s top tight ends. But there was one significant adjustment.

He had to learn how to block.

“I never really did that in high school. I played receiver,” Reddell said. “So it was a big emphasis my first two years. And, I mean, that takes time.”

Two years later, that patience is beginning to pay off.

Reddell gets his opportunity

Reddell has emerged as another weapon in Georgia’s deep tight end room, and his potential was on display in the Bulldogs’ season-opening 63-3 win over Tennessee State.

The junior hauled in his first career touchdown and later provided one of the afternoon’s most memorable plays, catching a pass in space and breaking loose for what appeared to be a 58-yard touchdown. The score was wiped away when Reddell was called for an offensive facemask, but the play still offered a glimpse of the athleticism he brings to Georgia’s offense.

“My quarterback did a great job giving me the ball,” Reddell said. “And once I caught it, it was just me trying to make a play and do my job.”

The performance came after two seasons largely spent waiting behind more experienced players.

That was unfamiliar territory for Reddell. He was accustomed to playing right away in high school. At Georgia, he had to develop the strength and technique to handle SEC defensive ends and linebackers.

Head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged that transition wasn’t always easy.

“Jaden Reddell’s an interesting story because he was highly recruited, highly thought of, and came in with a lot of expectations,” Smart said. “It didn’t happen right away, I’ll be honest with you. He wasn’t ready to block. He wasn’t physically ready, wasn’t mentally ready. It was a shock to go play at this speed, but he never pouted. He never whined.”

Reddell said some of his earliest practices provided a wake-up call. Instead of simply using his speed and receiving ability, he suddenly found himself trying to block Georgia defenders such as Mykel Williams and Chaz Chambliss.

He leaned on Georgia’s veteran tight ends and position coach Todd Hartley while trying to close the gap.

“I just kept grinding it out and trying to be better at blocking,” Reddell said.

Why Reddell stayed at Georgia

There was also another option.

With the transfer portal giving players the ability to seek opportunities elsewhere, Reddell could have left Athens when immediate playing time didn’t come. Smart said Reddell had opportunities to do just that.

His mother encouraged him to stay.

“His mom stood firm,” Smart said. “His mom said, ‘You’re gonna stay there. You’re gonna outwork average, and you’re gonna compete.’ And man, has he flourished.”

Reddell remembers having plenty of conversations with his mother about his future. Ultimately, he kept coming back to why he signed with Georgia in the first place.

“I really just wanted to grow and develop here,” Reddell said. “And I came here to develop and play here. So my mom and I had lots of talks about it, waiting my turn. And even though it took two years, I’m happy I stayed and gave it a chance.”

That made his first touchdown against Tennessee State mean a little more.

“It felt amazing,” Reddell said. “Finally made an impact on the team and finally got my first touchdown, which is great. So, I mean, I’ve been waiting a while.”

‘I feel like I’m just getting started’

His performance also generated comparisons to former Georgia star Brock Bowers, particularly after the long catch-and-run circulated on social media.

Reddell isn’t interested in embracing those comparisons.

Bowers was part of the reason Georgia appealed to Reddell as a recruit. He watched how the Bulldogs used Bowers in different ways and wanted an opportunity to make a similar impact. But Reddell understands he has a long way to go before comparisons between the two are warranted.

“I try not to pay really any attention to it, especially not compare myself to Brock Bowers,” Reddell said. “He has a legacy here. I feel like I’m just getting started, really.”

There are plenty of reasons for Georgia to be intrigued by what Reddell could become.

He said he has reached 23 mph on Georgia’s GPS tracking system, giving the Bulldogs unusual speed for the tight end position. Combine that athleticism with the blocking ability he has spent the past two years developing, and Reddell is becoming a more complete player.

Smart believes that development is still far from finished.

“When it comes to development, this guy is the embodiment of development, and he’s still getting better,” Smart said. “A lot of credit goes to Coach (Todd) Hartley, a lot of credit goes to his mother, and the most credit goes to him because he works his tail off every day. I still think his best is ahead.”