CFP SEMIFINAL CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL: GEORGIA VS OHIO STATE

December 29, 2022

Brock Bowers

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Georgia Bulldogs

Press Conference

Q. When you had the ball in that Florida game, did you know the ball was going to come right back to you? That was one of the most amazing catches we've seen.

BROCK BOWERS: I didn't see the ball until it hit the Florida player's hand. It hit his hand, and I finally saw it. It bounced off his back helmet and bounced off my helmet and ended up right in front of my face.

Q. What do you see from the Ohio State defense?

BROCK BOWERS: Any of those top four teams, they're big, fast, twitchy dudes. It's how fast we can react, like I said. We'll see how they play us this weekend.

Q. How was Christmas?

BROCK BOWERS: It was good. I went back home actually. It was quick, like two days.

Q. What was the weather like?

BROCK BOWERS: It was like 60 and sunny. It was awesome. It was like 9 degrees here.

Q. Do you have any wine deals?

BROCK BOWERS: No. I think it's illegal actually.

Q. I've seen Twisted Tea deals.

BROCK BOWERS: Like NIL? I don't know.

Q. My favorite position in all of football. Brock Bowers is here, the best tight end in all of America. How was your vacation? Did you get back to the West Coast for a little bit?

BROCK BOWERS: I had two days off to go back to California for Christmas. It was nice seeing all my family and friends back there.

Q. These guys don't get a lot of time off, especially heading into this game. I love what Monken does and the way he moves you guys around, you and Darnell and the running backs. Did you know ahead of time that this was going to be the play?

BROCK BOWERS: I did not. They kind of said it was in the cards to play wherever. I think what they told me, if you can play and you can help the team, they'll find a spot for you. I took that and ran with it.

I never really expected it to turn into me getting handoffs and stuff like that. It was kind of surprising.

Q. When you've got a tight end with jet speed, it's a different level there. Talk about your compadre, Darnell, and what he's meant to this football team. Being able to get into 12 personnel, one back, two tight ends, two receivers, and really force a defensive hand, what's that relationship like with him and kind of building that offense together?

BROCK BOWERS: I think most of the offense circles around him because he's basically a sixth lineman that can run routes and catch balls. He'll go road grade anybody in front of them, but he can also have the finesse to go in and grab it off someone's head.

Q. How surprised were you the first time you saw him actually jump over someone that's 6'7", 260, 270 frame?

BROCK BOWERS: I remember I was blocking somebody, and I thought Darnell is going to go down here. He was on the sideline against Oregon. I turned around, and he was up off the ground and over the dude. I did not expect it really at all.

Q. You look at the NFL, and you see how much it has evolved to tight ends. You see it in San Francisco, Kelce there, and Kansas City. Who do you watch to mold your game after?

BROCK BOWERS: I like to watch Kittle. He does so many things so good. Kelce is another one too. They're both just awesome pass catchers and getting involved in the run game and everything.

Q. Talk about catching the ball, what have you worked on this year as a blocker to really complete your game?

BROCK BOWERS: I think whatever Coach Hartley does to help us out in the off-season. He gives us drills and stuff. I think it helps us get stronger and faster during the off-season in the weight room, and just knowing my assignment and doing it.

Q. (Inaudible).

BROCK BOWERS: I think the message has been how we can capitalize on each singular day, each 24 hours, and how we can improve and prepare for the game in those little increments.

Q. Obviously a lot of ups and downs. Talk about how much it would mean to you to win the National Championship.

BROCK BOWERS: The National Championship is as big as it's going to get. It would mean nothing more than just to be able to win another one in my second year. It would be just awesome.

Q. Tell me about this team, how it's come together. Obviously you mentioned earlier something. Talk about your team and what makes it special.

BROCK BOWERS: I think what makes it special is just the dudes that just show up to work every day. I mean, just the connection and everything that we have together, it just really kind of -- we all just play for each other and just try to get the job done.

Q. How much has your game changed (inaudible)?

BROCK BOWERS: I think it hasn't changed too much. I think it's changed a little bit in my role as like a blocker and being more at the point of attack this year. I think that's the main way it's changed.

Q. What do you think makes this team special?

BROCK BOWERS: I think just being consistent throughout the weeks makes it hard. Some people might get content or something like that. We always say that can't be us, just being content. We've got to keep going.

Q. How different is this (inaudible)?

BROCK BOWERS: It helps just because last year I had no clue what to expect for anything really. Just knowing what to expect lets me prepare better mentally and just have less stress going into everything.

Q. What's your impression (inaudible)?

BROCK BOWERS: Everyone knows what to expect, and everyone knows what to expect during the game. It gives us kind of a peace of mind that makes us a little bit more confidence than last year.

Q. The defense last year (inaudible)?

BROCK BOWERS: I think it has to do with both those. I mean, the depth, we have great players everywhere, and that helps. Also the coaching, how many reps everyone takes during camp and during practice. We have so many reps and everything, there shouldn't be too much dropoff.