Ladd McConkey’s Georgia career has been fruitful. The Bulldogs’ receiver displayed leadership, athleticism, and production in Athens, leaving college football after a successful career.
While they don’t paint the full picture of his impact, McConkey’s college stats testify to his commitment and determination to the cause as he competed with some of the best offensive weapons in the country.
McConkey Redshirts Rookie Year Before Exploding in Athens
McConkey, a three-star recruit from North Murray High School, was recruited as an unbelievable athlete. His ability to play multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive back, and punt returner, showcased his athleticism. His commitment to compete in varsity track and field and basketball in high school further emphasized this.
Despite the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic-impacted season, McConkey joined Georgia in 2020, taking a redshirt while honing his craft on the scout team.
In 2021, McConkey was allowed to play, and his reliable, athletic style quickly earned game time in Athens. Despite being surrounded by other playmakers, including Brock Bowers, Jermaine Burton, George Pickens, Adonai Mitchell, and Darnell Washington, McConkey still played in 15 games, starting seven.
McConkey’s first career catch came against Clemson in Week 1 of the 2021 season, when he had two receptions for 12 yards. His first touchdown came in Week 4 when he recorded four catches for 62 yards and one touchdown receiving, as well as one rushing attempt for 24 yards and one rushing score.
His versatile skill set allowed McConkey to be used in various alignments and schemes, a trait that would follow him throughout his career.
Georgia and McConkey went on to lose the SEC Championship Game to Alabama but got revenge by defeating the Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game, where the Bulldogs WR logged one catch for three yards.
Finishing the season by being named to the Freshman All-SEC Team, McConkey set the tone for the rest of his Bulldog career.
Receptions: 31
Receiving Yards: 447
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
Rushing Attempts: 4
Rushing Yards: 44
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Punt Returns: 5
Punt Return Yards: 82
McConkey Has Another Strong Year as a Rookie
McConkey started 14 of 15 games in his sophomore season as the Bulldogs won another national championship. The receiver featured more in his second season as a starter, finishing second on the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (762). His seven touchdowns tied with Bowers for the most on the team.
Starting the season strong, McConkey had five catches for 73 yards and one receiving touchdown in the season opener against Oregon while adding two rushing attempts for 16 yards and an additional touchdown.
Continuing to be productive throughout the season, McConkey was instrumental in the Bulldogs remaining unbeaten. He left the SEC Championship Game with an injury that hampered his ability to get on the field in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State.
However, the Bulldogs WR returned for the National Championship Game, where he had five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns as Georgia overwhelmed TCU for a second consecutive title.
McConkey ended the season as an All-SEC Second Team selection.
Receptions: 58
Receiving Yards: 762
Receiving Touchdowns: 7
Rushing Attempts: 7
Rushing Yards: 134
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Punt Returns: 16
Punt Return Yards: 197
Injuries Hamper McConkey’s Junior Year
Entering 2023, McConkey was seen as one of the country’s most consistent and reliable targets. However, injuries hindered his junior year, causing him to miss significant on-field snaps. As a result, his production dropped to 30 receptions and 478 receiving yards.
Flittering in and out of the Georgia lineup, McConkey finished fourth in receiving yards. However, it didn’t impact his competitiveness, determination, or drive.
A lower back problem lingered throughout the season, and a pedal ankle sprain made him miss the last two games of the regular season.
McConkey did return for the SEC Championship Game against Alabama and had three catches for 38 yards in the Bulldogs’ defeat to the Crimson Tide.
KEEP READING: Ladd McConkey Shines a Positive Light
A fine college career ended once Georgia was confirmed to have missed the College Football Playoffs. But one final award was heading the receiver’s way: he won the Wuerffel Trophy, given to the player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.” Meanwhile, he was also named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Receptions: 30
Receiving Yards: 478
Receiving Touchdowns: 2
Rushing Attempts: 2
Rushing Yards: 38
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Kick Returns: 1
Kick Return Yards: 15
McConkey’s Final College Stats
Receptions: 119
Receiving Yards: 1,687
Receiving Touchdowns: 14
Rushing Attempts: 13
Rushing Yards: 216
Rushing Touchdowns: 4
Punt Returns: 21
Punt Return Yards: 279
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