CHAPEL HILL — When Austin Blaske entered the transfer portal in 2024, most teams recruiting him saw an offensive tackle.
Blaske saw something different. He wanted to play inside — specifically, at center. He'd been told that was his best path to the NFL.
After committing to North Carolina, Blaske earned the starting job at center and returned to the Tar Heels for a second season. But just weeks before the opener, an injury to Blaske in fall camp shook up the offensive line and forced the staff to adjust.
Chad Lindberg stepped in at center.
When Blaske returned to the field, head coach Bill Belichick slid him over to left tackle. Then, in the Syracuse game, Lindberg went down — and Blaske moved back to center.
Unfortunately for his teammate and close friend, but fortunately for Blaske's long-term vision, he's back where he wants to be — at center, anchoring the Tar Heels' line and making his final push towards the NFL.
At tackle, Blaske knew it wasn't his best position. But he did whatever he could to help the team.
"I'm in the business of winning games; that's how I am," Blaske said. "If I have to play tight end, I can play tight end. Whatever is best for the team is what I'm gonna do."
While Blaske hasn't publicly said it, his father, Andrew Blaske, told TarHeel247 that Austin is thrilled to be back at center moving forward.
"He's relieved he's back in his position," Andrew Blaske said. "He's gonna focus on that and I know damn well he's studying all the other positions too and learning each one of those defensive linemen and linebackers on film."
During his three years at Georgia, Blaske played guard, center, and tackle. It wasn't until both centers on the scout team got hurt that he volunteered to snap — a move that set the stage for where he is today.
Former Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken once told Blaske that he's not an NFL tackle. And Blaske heard the same from NFL scouts, coaches and players that his best chance at getting to the league is by playing center and being versatile.
"I can play all five spots, that's just how it's been for my college career," Blaske said. "It's kind of like riding a bike, you just never forget how to do it."
Head coach Bill Belichick has seen plenty of NFL offensive linemen. The way he talks about Blaske makes it clear that he has the potential to become one.
"The versatility of an offensive lineman is a huge advantage in the NFL," Belichick said. "That's really something Austin has benefited from."
And Belichick, too, believes Blaske at center makes the most sense from both him and the team.
"I think center is a good position for him, but he's shown he's able to play all three," Belichick said. "We're fortunate to have him and not only has he played well, but he's given us a lot of leadership."
Communication is something that has made Blaske stand out as a center in Chapel Hill. But even at tackle, he made calls for quarterback Gio Lopez and the rest of the offensive line.
"Being at center, you kind of have to run the show in there," Blaske said. "I was helping run the show at tackle, too. No matter where you are on the line, you have to communicate. It's the name of the game for the offensive line."
With all that Blaske has accomplished as a college lineman — his experience and two national championships — Belichick believes he's nowhere close to reaching his potential.
"He's just gotten better and better each week," Belichick said. "I think his best football this year is still ahead of him and I'm excited to see that."