If a Georgia fan was asked during the spring to name wide receivers that they thought would be contributors on the 2021 offense, Ladd McConkey probably would not be high on that list. In reality, he might not be on it at all.
However, with all of the injuries the Bulldogs have sustained so far, McConkey found himself playing in Georgia’s most anticipated game in years. The redshirt freshman has gone from scout team to playing in just a year.
“It was an awesome experience just getting out there for the first time,” said McConkey. “Kinda really feeling everything that comes along with playing for the University of Georgia and being out there with my teammates.”
Speed is one of McConkey’s best physical traits. It’s the reason he was listed as a guy who could potentially return punts for Georgia but he was not a highly touted five-star recruit coming out of small Chatsworth, Georgia.
He was just a three-star and only weighed about 165 pounds after his senior year. Georgia was by far the biggest program that offered him, so despite the fact that he grew up a Tennessee fan, it was an opportunity that could not be passed up.
“It definitely changed my thinking,” said McConkey. “Just having a school like the University of Georgia reaching out to me and giving me an opportunity to come, it was a humbling experience. So, it was a great experience, great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
Now McConkey is up to 185 pounds and has two catches under his belt after the game in Charlotte. Whether it is JT Daniels or Carson Beck playing under center on Saturday, both will have No. 84 as a speedy receiving option who could score his first career touchdown.
Georgia and UAB will kickoff on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m.