Скачать или смотреть How An Overlooked Recruit Dominated the NFL (The Untold Story of Ladd McConkey)

Ladd McConkey grew up as a middle child and a die-hard Tennessee Volunteers fan. His father, Benji McConkey, was a standout quarterback in High School, while his brother, Hinton McConkey, played quarterback at the University of West Georgia, a Division II powerhouse at the time.

McConkey attended North Murray High School in Chatsworth, Georgia, where he made the varsity team as a freshman. He was a do-it-all player, lining up at quarterback, running back, defensive back, punter, and return specialist. He led North Murray to a 9–1 record and the school's first-ever region championship as a senior. In one game, he even asked his coach to put him in at defensive back—he ended up with a pick-six that night. McConkey finished his senior season with 36 total touchdowns and 3,051 yards, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors for the region.

Despite his production, recruiters overlooked McConkey. He was a three-star prospect, but that rating didn’t come until late in his senior year. Most of his offers were from lower-tier Division I programs. Coaches loved his film but kept saying the same thing—he was too small. He just didn’t pass the eye test for an SEC receiver. But McConkey never claimed to be typical. His speed and versatility made him dominant in high school; he just needed one coach to recognize it.

That coach was Kirby Smart. Late in McConkey’s senior season, Georgia’s head coach took notice—not just of his football highlights but also his basketball film. The combination of elite athleticism and relentless work ethic made McConkey an intriguing prospect. Smart knew he had to give him a shot.

After one of McConkey’s basketball games, Kirby Smart extended an offer. For McConkey, it was a no-brainer. In February 2020, he committed to the University of Georgia—his first and only Power Five offer.