Jake Camarda, Georgia special teams ace, bound for the NFL
It’s been announced Georgia will lose a four-year starter in punter Jake Camarda, who has decided to forgo his remaining year of eligibility in order to enter his name into the NFL Draft.
As a highly-touted special teamer from Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia, Camarda has started every game for the Bulldogs over the last four seasons, both as a punter and a holder on placement kicks.
“Dawg Nation, first and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunities he has given me and for placing me at the University of Georgia. Without him, I would not be in the position I am today. To my family, I want to say thank you for being there for me through every step of this journey and your unwavering supporting for me throughout the years. To Coach Smart and all my coaches, the impact you have had on me is far greater than you will ever imagine, and because of you guys, I’m a better person today. To Coach Cochran, thank you for all the guidance over the past two years and becoming more than just a coach but a lifelong friend. The last four years spent here in Athens, Georgia have been the best 4 years of my life. I never could have imagined how big of an impact the University of Georgia would have on me through the people I have met and the memories I have made. Athens will always hold a special place in my heart. It is now time for me to take the next step in my career and start preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft. Forever a Dawg!,” Camarda said via a post on Instagram.
Despite the fact that Camarda typically only played 40 to 50 snaps a season, his accolade list may be deeper than any player on the team. In 2020, Camarda won SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, was named first-team All-SEC punter by coaches’ vote and by the Associated Press, and was one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award.
He followed this performance by being named to the Coaches All-SEC First Team and AP All-SEC 2nd Team in 2021, his senior season. The longest punt of Camarda’s career came in the SEC Championship against the Crimson Tide in 2021, when he launched the football 68 yards.
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Where does Georgia turn without Jake Camarda?
While Jack Podlesney will return for the Bulldogs in 2022, Georgia will likely have to host a kicking competition in the offseason to determine the next punter for the Dawgs.
Class of 2022 signee Brett Thorson from Australia may be in contention for this position with the departure of Camarda.
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