By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SAVANNAH – South Effingham graduate Austin Blaske has a dream of playing professional football.

Once on the sidelines of a college blueblood, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman thinks maybe a lighter shade of blue will get him to his destination.

“Hopefully, I’ll be projected early (in the NFL draft) – first to third (rounds) that’s the goal,” Blaske said. “If not, that’s how it is. I’ll have to prove people wrong again.”

It’s a bold statement for someone who saw limited snaps in four years at Georgia before recently transferring to the University of North Carolina.

Blaske has two years of college eligibility left – one from the extra year given to college athletes because of COVID and his red-shirt year. UNC appears to be a good fit because four Tar Heel starting linemen will not return this season.

Spring practice in Chapel Hill started March 19.

Blaske is a versatile athlete who won a wrestling state championship at South Effingham. He still holds the school record in the shot put.

Once perceived as a tackle, Blaske will be trying to win a starting job at center.

“I’m not unfamiliar with that,” he said. “I did a little of everything at Georgia. My advantage is I’m a big center. You don’t get a lot of 6-5, 315-pound centers in the ACC.”

There’s an irony to Blaske landing at North Carolina. He originally committed to North Carolina State. Then Georgia came knocking at his door during the final week of National Signing Day.

Growing up and following the Bulldogs, Blaske did what a lot of kids from Georgia probably would have done. It was his dream to play for the Bulldogs.

He wouldn’t say he’s giving up his dream now.

“I would say I fulfilled a dream,” Blaske said. “I went there for four years. I made life-long friends there. I shared experiences with my brother (Aaric, who worked in the UGA athletic training department).

“I couldn’t have asked for a better four years of college. We won two national championships. I was blessed to have the opportunity to play with those teams.”

Blaske earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

But it was time to move on to get some playing time. Maybe it’s a chance to show Kirby was not so smart.

The transfer portal allows college athletes to pursue chances, just like any worker can pursue a better job.

“I think there’s a right way and a wrong way to (use the transfer portal),” Blaske said. “Some kids, who aren’t playing as freshmen, want to leave. That’s not the right way to do it. I did my time, four years, and got my degree. I think if you’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears in for four years and seen it through, you’ve paid your dues. I needed to move on to the next opportunity.”

He visited Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern after announcing his decision to leave Athens. He wanted the right fit. He wanted to stay close to home. And he wanted a place where his girlfriend, who is finishing nursing school, could continue her career.

UNC checked all the boxes.

“I would say I’m going for a better opportunity at this point in my career,” Blaske said.

Just lining up in practice against highly regarded Bulldog defensive linemen Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt gave Blaske a feel for NFL competition.

“The biggest jump I think I made was going against them from my freshman to sophomore year,” Blaske said. “It opened my eyes. They made me better. I think I made a big jump. Now I’d like to make another jump and put myself on the (NFL) draft board next year.”

And maybe a year excelling in Carolina Blue could be that finishing touch.