Moments after the Georgia Bulldogs finished their G-Day game back in the spring, receiver Tavarres King was ready for a new season to commence.

And ready to assume the duties of All-American A.J. Green.

“I wish we could play Boise State tomorrow,” he said on April 16.

“Tomorrow” is here — or at least as close as this Saturday.

The UGA football team held its first game-week press conference of the season on Tuesday in Athens, and the pride of Habersham Central was enthusiastic about the task at hand. The No. 19 Dawgs square off against the No. 5 Broncos in the Georgia Dome, and King is anxious for the talk to end and the competition to begin.

“It’s a huge game,” he said. “I mean the first two games (UGA hosts South Carolina on Sept. 10) we have are huge, but we’re focusing on the first one and trying to get a win. It’s just like any other game, you want to win every game you play.”

The junior had a solid 2010 season, catching 27 passes for 504 yards and three touchdowns. His breakout performance came against Florida, when he reeled in three balls for 104 yards and a 63-yard touchdown.

However, King was in a supporting role a year ago. When he lines up this fall, defenses will know he is a primary target of quarterback Aaron Murray.

If he feels any added pressure by taking on more of a “go-to” role, he’s not letting on.

“I’m pretty calm,” King said. “You put in all the work out on the practice fields and everything you do in practice is going to translate to the game. There’s no need to be nervous, just ready.”

Although the abilities of the receiving corps can’t be fully judged until the games begin, UGA boss Mark Richt likes what he’s seen during workouts.

“Tavarres started out extremely well and got nicked up a little bit that slowed him down a bit, but he’s come on strong of late,” Richt said. “I love the camp that Rantavious Wooten had. I love the camp that Marlon Brown had.”

And while King certainly wants the ball in his hands this fall, he’s happy to be part of what he thinks will be a dynamic pass-catching crew.

“I love it,” King said. “Marlon Brown is going to be a tremendous player for us I think. Rantavious has made huge strides. He’s turned the corner and he’s going to be good for us. Malcom Mitchell, you’ve head about him from day one, he’s going to be a real good guy for us.

“These guys are level-headed and they’re going to come out there very calm and play well.”

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