Ladd McConkey reflects on Georgia going back-to-back, aims for third straight title

Georgia wideout Ladd McConkey is one of the scrappier receivers in college football today. While he doesn’t put up eye-popping numbers, he still has routinely found a way to make plays in the passing game for the Bulldogs the past two years. He’s been an important piece in the ‘Dawgs bringing home back-to-back national crowns.

On Thursday evening, McConkey went on The Paul Finebaum Show to speak about what it’s been like to be a key contributor for the back-to-back national champs.

Ladd McConkey reflects on going back-to-back

Finebaum began by asking him if he ever imagined a few years ago that he’d be answering questions about the chance to pursue a third straight national title this season.

“I mean, honestly, when you look at it like that, it’s crazy,” McConkey began. “What we’ve done is truly special. But as soon as you start looking at it like that, that’s when you get caught up. So, taking it one day at a time. Looking forward. Not kinda sitting back and resting on our laurels. Doing what we’ve got to do.”

“But yeah, it is something truly special. And it was awesome to do that, but we’re going for another one,” McConkey continued.

Does the team practice saying one game at a time?

“I mean, that’s just how it always is. Coach Smart. That’s how he’s always been. He’s never gonna sit there and let us look at the past,” the star Georgia receiver said.

What’s it like being around Kirby Smart on a day-to-day basis? Finebaum said that he knows that McConkey doesn’t want his head coach getting mad at him.

“No. No doubt. You wanna be the best you can be. Listen to the message, not the tone. But he wants the best for all of us and I think all the guys realize that,” McConkey continued. “I mean, he can be hard on you, but he just wants you to succeed. I appreciate that. And I mean, I think as you get older, you appreciate it even more.”

Last season, McConkey hauled in 58 catches for 762 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be adjusting to life after Stetson Bennett this fall. Carson Beck is likely going to be the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. His odds to win the Heisman Tophy are currently 22-to-1.

The Georgia Bulldogs will begin their quest for a third straight national title when they face off against UT Martin. That one is slated for Saturday, Sept. 2 at 6:00 PM EST. The game will be televised on ESPN-plus.