Kearis Jackson explains impact of Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey

The Georgia offense went through many twists and turns on its way to the national championship game this season, dealing with injuries and absences across the board. In addition to a quarterback controversy, the Bulldogs needed increased production from young wide receivers and tight ends thrown into the deep end.

As one of the veteran wide receivers on the Georgia’s roster, junior Kearis Jackson has developed a special appreciate for what freshmen Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey have done for the offense. He spoke about the two young contributors ahead of Monday’s big game.

“Those guys have stepped up tremendously,” said Jackson. “Like you say, we had guys down early in the season. Those guys stepped up – next player up mentality. And they always prepare for the moments. We practice hard every day, every game. Every practice is like a game.

“They have prepared mentally and physically as well the things we do, Coach Smart put us through in practice, be well prepared for the game.”

Bowers has drawn the most national attention of any of Georgia’s offensive weapons, becoming an AP Second Team All-American and winning the SEC’s Freshman of the Year award. Entering the national championship, he has 52 receptions for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a career-high 10 catches against Alabama in the SEC Championship. Bowers also added four carries for 56 yards and a touchdown.

McConkey’s path has been vastly different than Bowers’ so far. The redshirt freshman did not play in 2020 but has emerged as a slot option this year. He has caught 30 passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns, adding three carries for 47 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Kearis Jackson on Georgia Pickens

George Pickens is one of Georgia’s top players. Although he has been recovering from an injury most of the season, the wide receiver is finally healthy and back in action for the Bulldogs – coming back just in time for the College Football Playoff.

As Pickens is back making big plays for the Bulldogs, his teammates are excited to have him on the field with them again – especially fellow wide receiver Kearis Jackson, who shared what George Pickens brings to the Georgia offense and commented on his big block against Michigan.

“George brings a lot of interest to the team and receiver room,” Jackson said. “And the block he put up against Michigan was kind of funny. I didn’t notice it until I seen the video going around. He does it all the time – did it last year, the year before it. That’s just the way that George plays, very physical and just love to do things to go viral, I guess.”