NFL Draft 2012: Exclusive Interview With Georgia TE Orson Charles

To continue our series of NFL Draft prospect interviews, we take out some time to talk to Georgia tight end Orson Charles. Charles played three years at the University of Georgia, after coming from Tampa, Florida. He is 6-foot-2, 251 pound. During his three years at Georgia, Charles had 94 receptions, 1370 yards, and 10 touchdowns, with his junior season and last year as a Bulldog being his best.

Charles was voted as a team captain and received one of the team’s Offensive Coaches Leadership Awards. He also earned a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, this past fall. Charles is considered one of the top tight ends in this draft class and is projected as a late first or early second-round pick. Here is what Orson had to say:

Ben Worthy: How did you originally get involved in football?

Orson Charles: It was kind of a funny situation. I was one of those kids that my mom always wanted me to do chores around the house. So I wanted to be out of the house, just to race kids and throw the football. I lived right next to a little league park and one day I went over and asked what they were doing. They said they were playing football. I wanted to be a part of that, so I talked to the coach. The next thing you know, I’m playing varsity football.

Worthy: How did you choose Georgia?

Charles: It was definitely a hard decision, especially on my family members. We were always praying about it. I chose Georgia because I felt comfortable. I felt like Coach Richt was a great family guy and everyone one on the staff was as well, so that was definitely the number one thing. I just wanted to be coached by some great guys who believed in the Lord.

Worthy: Do you think they prepared you for the NFL?

Charles: I feel that I’m ready on and off the field, as far as how I am supposed to carry myself like a man, and leave it all up to Jesus. For the most part we run the same thing that a lot of teams in the league run.

Worthy: Overall, how would you describe the combine experience?

Charles: The combine was definitely a great experience. I got off the plane and seen the stadium and it hit me that I’m really accomplishing my dreams. Going to the combine and talking to all the coaches you’ve always seen on TV, it was a dream come true. Meeting all the other guys and just going out there and competing and showing everyone what God has blessed you with, it was special.

Worthy: Is there a player you model your game after?

Charles: Probably Ben Watson, Dustin Keller, Vernon Davis, guys like that. Tight ends that are around 6’3”, 6’4”, the ones that aren’t a typical tight end as far as being tall, but can stay in the box and block or slide out into a slant route to create mismatches.

Worthy: What separates you from other tight ends?

Charles: Like I said, Georgia has prepared me. The coaches told me, “Orson, you’re not going to play tight end at Georgia unless you learn how to block.” I feel like I have an edge over other tight ends, whether it be staying in the box and blocking or running a stretch play or lining up in the slot. I’m versatile and can create mismatches.

Worthy: What teams have shown interest in you?

Charles: I met with a lot of teams the first night, and a lot of coaches were pulling me aside to ask me questions. It’s hard to say who showed interest, because a lot of teams showed it. They were just trying to get to know me and see what I’m all about.

Worthy: What round do you think you’ll get drafted in?

Charles: All that is out of my hands. All I can do is keep on praying, leave it up to God, and keep moving forward.

Worthy: When you aren’t playing football or working out, what are you usually doing?

Charles: If I’m not doing either, probably just laying back and watching ESPN like I’m doing right now.

Worthy: What impact could you make on a franchise?

Charles: Like I said, I feel like I can be versatile. I think that’s the biggest thing that defines my play. I think my versatility could really help a ball club.

Worthy: What’s your overall goal for your NFL career, on and off the field?

Charles: My first priority will be to understand the playbook. I want to build a good relationship with my quarterback, and show the coaches that they can trust me, so they can throw me out there on Sundays and not be worried. Off the field I want to reach out to the community, letting them know I’m just a regular guy that plays football, but I’m just like you. There are a lot of things I want to do in the town where I’m drafted to.

Worthy: What keeps you going? Specifically, where do you get your will and faith to keep working towards your goal?

Charles: I think I get my will from my family. They definitely motivate me, especially my mom. With her being a single parent, she was able to raise me and my brothers, and she did a fantastic job. She’s brought me this far. I just want to be great.  I want to be up there with Tony Gonzalez, Vernon Davis, guys like that. Those are the things that drive me.

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