Kelee Ringo, Kenny McIntosh announce intentions to enter 2023 NFL Draft
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Georgia is celebrating its second National Championship in as many seasons and it is also saying goodbye to a couple of key contributors from it’s 2022 team. Less than an hour after the Bulldogs obliterated TCU 65-7 in the title game, redshirt sophomore cornerback Kelee Ringo and senior running back Kenny McIntosh made it known that they are on their way out.
“I’m looking forward to coming out,” Kelee Ringo told DawgsHQ in the UGA locker room. McIntosh told reporters in a breakout area that he, too, is “leaving.”
McIntosh had a breakout season in 2022, carrying the football 150 times for 829 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He added 41 catches for 504 yards and two scores. He was Georgia’s third-leading receiver on the year and leading rusher.
The only reason McIntosh has to make such an announcement is because of the NCAA’s decision to not count the 2020 season against the eligibility of any player in any sport. He’s a senior who just wrapped up his fourth season with the program.
Ringo is a two-year starter at cornerback. He had the legendary pick-six against Alabama in the 2021 National Championship game. That return and PAT put the game away for the Bulldogs and brought a 41-year National Championship drought.
The former five-star prospect manned one cornerback spot all season and had way more ups than downs. His interceptions against Tennessee helped Georgia dominate the then-No. 1 team in the nation. He also had two pass breakups on Ohio State’s final possession where it missed a field goal, giving Georgia a 42-41 win in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
Ringo was one of four defensive players to get a curtain call on Saturday. Kirby Smart called a timeout and let Ringo, Christopher Smith, Jalen Carter, and Robert Beal exit to a standing ovation. Carter is the only player in that group with eligibility remaining and he’s certainly coming out.
Most NFL draft analysts view Ringo as a potential first-round pick. Carter is widely viewed as a top-10 pick.
