Georgia senior placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship has earned the CoSIDA Academic All-America honors for the first time in his collegiate career.
Blankenship is the first Bulldogs’ player to earn the honor since former quarterback Aaron Murray won it in 2013. The CoSIDA Academic All-American program acknowledges the nation’s top student-athletes for their performances on the field and in school.
To become qualified for the Academic All-America consideration, the student-athlete must be a team starter or a reserve, keep a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, and have earned outstanding athletic and academic standings at their university.
The Marietta product has had quite a great senior season for the Bulldogs. He has been awarded the National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Award and been named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and also a finalist for the Campbell Trophy. Blankenship is also a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and Burlsworth Trophy.
Blankenship has been a fan favorite since he has arrived in Athens, and during his last game in Sanford Stadium against Texas A&M, he got to run through the “Power G” banner leading to the team out onto the field.
“I was very close to tearing up,” Blankenship said. “It was surreal to be in that moment. This stadium is the best in the world and we have the best in the country. It was a really special feeling to go out there and be lined up with my guys.”
RODRIGO BLANKENSHIP FINISHES OFF HIS FINAL HOMESTEAD…
Blankenship is tied for second in the conference in scoring this year, averaging 9.2 points per game. This season, he has made 25-of-31 attempts and all 44 of his PATs. He has also connected on three 50 yard field goals this season.
Blankenship is a special player and will be remembered as one of the program’s most popular fan favorites. It’s a bit of a disappointment that the Bulldogs aren’t in the College Football Playoff for Blankenship’s final season, but he will have one more game in red and black before hanging up his jersey.
The Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Baylor Bears in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day at 8:40 PM EST.