Georgia Bulldogs 23 for '23: No. 7 Ladd McConkey
Georgia’s turn at SEC Media Days has passed, and with that the focus is very quickly turning to the football field. Fall camp begins in less than two weeks, and we’re counting down the days with out look at who the most important Bulldogs might be.
As we’ve stated before, important can have different definitions. Some players’ importance for this season is based on their past performance and ability to repeat that this fall. For others, it’s about their potential and what living up to it would mean for Georgia and its chances at winning a third straight National Championship. Now at No. 7 on our list of most important Bulldogs, wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
Ladd McConkey
Position: Wide Receiver
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 185 pounds
Hometown (High School): Chatsworth, Ga. (North Murray)
Ladd McConkey started his college career as a little known prospect out of North Georgia. As he goes into his fourth season, he’s a First-Team All-SEC selection.
McConkey started 14 of 15 games for Georgia last season and played in every single one of them. He battled through some nagging injuries to be available Kirby Smart said, but still managed to finish second among Bulldogs in receiving with 58 catches for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. McConkey also added a pair of rushing touchdowns on seven attempts, totaling 134 yards on the ground.
Top 10
- 1
Connor Stalions x Bryce Underwood
Photo ignites social media
- 2
Saban warns A&M
Jordan-Hare 'is haunted'
- 3
Vince Young calls shot
Horns legend predicts Kentucky game score
- 4
Kiffin trolls Napier
Ole Miss HC texts Kirk Herbstreit to fire shot
- 5
College GameDay picks
Lee Corso dons Indiana helmet
McConkey is incredible versatile. Those stats show it, but if you turn on the tape, you can see it too. Whether it’s position versatility at wide receiver being able to play either on the inside or outside, or his skillset, being able to take handoffs and add to the run game too, McConkey gives Georgia a threat in different areas. That’s going to be incredibly useful in 2023.
With Georgia having a deep group of pass catchers, inexperience at the quarterback position and depth concerns at running back, the ability to get the ball in McConkey’s hands and let him work will be an asset. Expect new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to follow in the footsteps of Todd Monken having seen McConkey’s skillset first hand last season while on staff. If that’s the case and Bobo and the Bulldogs use McConkey to his fullest, he’s got the potential to possibly lead Georgia in receiving, maybe topping 1,000 yards. That to me screams of his importance to the team’s success this season.
Know the Quote
“Man, I would say this: It’s amazing. I know a lot of people talk about my decision to come back, but I think his decision to come back is something that really, really will help the team. I think it was essential for the team to really on a good start as far as work outs and things like that,” Georgia offensive lineman and returning team captain Sedrick Van Pran said about McConkey at SEC Media Days. “Ladd is a great guy. I was really, really excited that he decided to come back, but it’s been amazing to see his growth. I remember Ladd always talked about, he was so excited to just be able to travel, and then you know years later, man, he’s really, really been a big piece for us making plays down the field. I’m super, super proud of him and really happy for him because he’s taken some amazing strides in his game and also as a person.”
Click here to find the complete rundown of our 23 for ’23 series
