UNC Super Star Promoted For Displaying Leadership Traits Early On .

Austin Blaske Displaying Leadership Traits Early On For UNC

The former Georgia OL sought to make an early impression at North Carolina. He also reminds Mack Brown of a former Tar Heel from recent memory.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Austin Blaske practiced at every offensive line position at Georgia in his four years there, but when he hit the transfer portal in December 2023, he knew where he wanted to play on the line.

While in the portal, Blaske sought to play on the inside, either at center or at guard. And at North Carolina, he’s gotten reps with the first team in the middle of the line.

“Just to be honest, I like to be in there,” Blaske told reporters during spring practice about playing center. “I like to run the show. I can be in the middle making all the points, calling out the fronts. That’s a big thing for me. And I think I’m best at center.”

Center is fitting for Blaske, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound veteran up front who came in looking to establish himself as a leader. Mack Brown raved about Blaske’s leadership qualities soon after his arrival, saying that he spent time working with the quarterbacks only on and even helped out some with recruiting.

“He was wanting to go everywhere and do everything,” Brown said in February.

Blaske committed to UNC on Dec 15. He mostly played a reserve role at his previous school, appearing in 18 games during his time at Georgia. Injuries played a part in his limited playing time last season, as he played just three games. The Bulldogs won back-to-back championships while he was there in 2021 and 2022 under head coach Kirby Smart.

Blaske made it a point upon arrival to step up as a leader by first building trust among his new teammates.

“I think the biggest part was building relationships with the guys, because they’re not gonna respect you if you don’t have a positive relationship,” Blaske said last month. “I think that was the biggest thing that I had to work on, was building relationships with the O-line. To start with the O-line and then the offense, and the (whole) team.”