Georgia’s rapid ascension to college football’s upper crust has been fueled by elite players on both sides of the ball, freak athletes who combine size and speed to crush opponents.

That’s why it’s so easy to overlook one of the Bulldogs’ most potent weapons.

The SEC office didn’t make that mistake this week, naming Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship its Special Teams Player of the Week. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound bespectacled kicker buried two field goals longer than 40 yards and converted all five extra point attempts as the No. 3 Bulldogs topped then-No. 24 South Carolina, 41-17, last Saturday.

“I actually hadn’t found out about that until about 10 minutes ago,” Blankenship told reporters Monday. “It is a great honor to be recognized this week and I just hope that I can continue to perform at a high level for my team.”

Georgia coach Kirby Smart has certainly been pleased with his special teams ace. Though Blankenship doesn’t possess the physique of most of his teammates, Smart praised the kicker’s physical ability and preparation.

“He’s been incredible, to be honest with you. I think our special teams staff does a tremendous job of making sure he’s fresh. He does a tremendous job of taking care of his body. It’s shown in the last two games with the power and drive consistently. Most guys wear out as the game goes on, maybe have to kick another kicker, or maybe don’t kick him at all, he just continues to pound the ball and does a great job doing it. He’s a leader on our team. And he’s awesome to work with. I mean, he’s become a weapon. And we have to use him as such.”

Blankenship can follow up his award-winning outing when the Bulldogs host Middle Tennessee State at at 6:15 p.m. Saturday.