Georgia tight end Jay Rome (87) prepares to be hit by Alabama defensive back Nick Perry (27) as he scores a touchdown during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football†game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

One final spring practice, one final season for Jay Rome with the Georgia Bulldogs. As the former Valdosta standout tight end prepares for his senior season with the Bulldogs, Rome has one objective — have fun.

“I really haven’t been having fun, really for the last two years, trying to get over being injured,” Rome said. “I feel like I put too much pressure on myself last year and got away from having fun with it.”

Rome played in 12 games last season, which included two starts. He recorded 10 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. However, in 2013, Rome missed the final four games with a foot injury. His production was limited to just nine catches for 99 yards. While Rome has one final shot to make a name for himself in the SEC, he isn’t viewing next year that way.

“I’ve tried to suppress those thoughts as much as possible and really go out there and play free and play how I know I can play and have fun with it,” Rome said. “It’s the same game I’ve been playing since rec league. I’ve always had fun with it.”

Rome was an Under Armour All-American in high school and was a member of Georgia coach Mark Richt’s “Dream Team” recruiting class in 2011. After redshirting his freshman season, Rome had his most productive season in 2012, recording 11 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns. 

During Rome’s first four years at Georgia, he played for offensive coordinator and Thomasville native Mike Bobo. In the offseason, Bobo was hired as Colorado State’s head coach. Richt hired longtime NFL assistant Brian Schottenheimer to run the offense.

“In college football everybody’s ultimate dream is to go to the next level. Now that we have kind of a taste of what that’s like (with Schottenheimer coaching in spring practice), everybody’s really focused on learning the new offense and trying to perform to the best of our abilities,” Rome said.

Georgia’s offense produced record-breaking results in 2014. The Bulldogs averaged a school record 41.3 points per game. But the 2015 breed of offensive Bulldogs will look a lot different than last year’s. Along with a new offensive coordinator, Georgia has a new offensive line coach, will start a new quarterback and must replace phenom Todd Gurley at running back. Rome insists, though, he and his teammates are up for the challenge.

“We can be just as good, if not better,” Rome said.

Rome and Georgia will have a chance to showcase their talents on Saturday when Georgia hosts its annual Red and Black spring game at Sanford Stadium at 2 p.m.