North Murray's Ladd McConkey picks Bulldogs: 'I realize they have great talent, but I believe in my ability'

North Murray's Ladd McConkey visited Vanderbilt and Georgia in recent days before committing to Georgia on Sunday. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd
North Murray's Ladd McConkey visited Vanderbilt and Georgia in recent days before committing to Georgia on Sunday. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd

It's been a good 2020 for Ladd McConkey, and February just started.

The versatile football standout at North Murray High School wrapped up his recruitment Sunday afternoon by committing to the Georgia Bulldogs. The 6-foot, 175-pound receiver prospect did not have any scholarship offers from Power Five programs until Jan. 20, when Georgia coach Kirby Smart watched him play basketball and then visited his home.

Vanderbilt offered a scholarship the following day, and McConkey wound up visiting both Southeastern Conference programs in the past several days before making his decision.

"I really felt like UGA was the right fit for me," McConkey said Sunday. "I feel like this is where I will have the best opportunity on and off the field. I realize that they have great talent in the receiver room, but I believe in my ability. It will not come easy, and I am going to have to work harder than I have ever worked before.

"I am going to give everything I have for the University of Georgia."

The Bulldogs now have 23 potential members for their 2020 signing class entering Wednesday's traditional date. Georgia had 19 players sign in December's early period, including six who chose to enroll early, and five of the 23 are receivers - McConkey, Marcus Rosemy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Arian Smith of Lakeland, Florida, Jermaine Burton of Calabasas, California, and Justin Robinson from the Atlanta suburb of McDonough.

Georgia signed two of the nation's top five receivers - George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock - in last year's class, with Pickens capping his freshman season by earning Sugar Bowl MVP.

McConkey played quarterback, receiver, defensive back and return specialist during his time at North Murray. As a senior this past season, he accounted for 3,051 all-purpose yards, completing 124 of 209 passes for 1,771 yards and 20 touchdowns, and rushing for 924 yards and 10 scores.

The three-star prospect tallied touchdowns on three of his four interception returns and reached the end zone twice on punt returns and once on a kickoff return. He is the nation's No. 197 receiver recruit and the No. 1,379 overall prospect in the 247Sports.com composite player rankings.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524. Follow him on Twitter @DavidSPaschall.

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