"Such a great young man": Kirby Smart pens warm note for Ladd McConkey after Jim Harbaugh's Chargers pick former Bulldog in Round 2
Georgia Bulldogs Coach Kirby Smart wrote a heartfelt note to Ladd McConkey following the wide receiver's selection by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 34th pick in the second round.
This move prompted a warm tribute from Kirby Smart. Taking to his X account, Coach Smart congratulated McConkey and expressed his gratitude for the player's contributions to the Bulldogs program. Smart highlighted McConkey's character, calling him "a great young man" and acknowledging his positive impact on the team.
"Congrats @laddmcconkey02 !! So excited to watch you be a part of the @chargers. You’re such a great young man & I’m thankful for your time in Athens. You meant so much to this team, school & community. Always grateful for your impact on this program. GO DAWGS !!” Smart wrote.
McConkey now steps into a situation ripe for success, with a young superstar quarterback in Justin Herbert and a recently bolstered offensive line.
McConkey's familiarity with SoFi Stadium, the Chargers' home turf, is an added bonus. He already has good memories of the venue, having notched up 102 yards and two touchdowns in Georgia's 65-7 national championship win there.
Ladd McConkey excited to reunite with former Foe Harbaugh
Los Angeles Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey expressed his eagerness to join his new team. He mentioned the presence of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, a familiar face from his college days.
McConkey's collegiate path crossed with Harbaugh's in the 2021 Orange Bowl semifinal, where McConkey contributed with an 8-yard run and a pair of catches for 14 yards.
"Coach Harbaugh is there," McConkey shared with reporters, referencing Harbaugh's arrival from Michigan.
“They have a great offense, great quarterback (Justin Herbert). Just excited to get up there and meet all of the guys and get to work, honestly. I've been waiting, I feel like it's been so long, just trying to figure out where I'm going to be at. Now that it's here, it's time to get to work."
Harbaugh delivered his signature line upon learning McConkey would be joining the Chargers. The chargers posted the clip on their X account. Harbaugh said:
"Nobody's got it better than us!"
McConkey also responded by saying:
"Yes, sir, Hey, you came and got a Georgia player!" to which Harbaugh simply replied, "Yes, we did," sealing the deal.
Harbaugh also praised McConkey’s speed by saying:
"Love the speed, 4.38 [40-yard dash], but he plays to it," Harbaugh said. "He plays to that 4.38 every single play, you can see it in the way that he rages off of the ball, and once he has the ball in his hands.”
McConkey said that it was his dream to be a draft pick and he knew that he could do it as he had great supportive staff around him.