Looking at the talent level Georgia possesses up and down the roster, it’s clear why the Bulldogs are not only the 2022 SEC champion, but also the No. 1 seed in the 2023 College Football Playoff. Top recruits are coming to Athens from both in and out of state; here are 10 notable homegrown Dawgs – in-state players who have gone on to shine for the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs.
Stetson Bennett (Pierce County)
Likely the biggest former in-state name for the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs is that of Bennett, who played his high school ball at Pierce County. The senior quarterback was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this season by completing 67.9% of his passes for 3,425 yards and a 20:6 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 7 more scores.
Ladd McConkey (North Murray)
McConkey, a former three-star out of North Murray, has been one of the Bulldogs’ top receivers this season, eclipsing an impressive stat line from a year ago. McConkey has caught 51 passes for 675 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he’s also one of the top punt returners in the SEC.
Smael Mondon (Paulding County)
Mondon was a five-star and one of the nation’s top linebackers in the 2021 class out of Paulding County. He is tied with fellow linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson as the Bulldogs’ leading tackler – he has 64, including 6.5 TFL.
Warren McClendon (Brunswick)
McClendon, a former four-star at Brunswick, has started at right tackle for an offensive line that has been one of the best in the SEC this season.
Daijun Edwards (Colquitt County)
A former three-star at Colquitt County, Edwards has been one of Georgia’s top running backs alongside the duo of Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton. In 13 games, Edwards has rushed for 683 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Christopher Smith (Hapeville Charter)
Smith, a former four-star at Hapeville Charter, has been one of the leaders of the 2022 Georgia defense from the safety position. The senior has compiled 50 tackles through 13 games, along with 3 interceptions.
Malaki Starks (Jefferson)
A former five-star out of Jefferson, Starks has been one of the most impactful freshmen for the Bulldogs this season. In 13 games, the safety has recorded 63 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
Broderick Jones (Lithonia)
A five-star at Lithonia in 2020, Jones is another piece of that dominant Bulldogs offensive line, starting at left tackle.
Jack Podlesny (Glynn Academy)
A product of Glynn Academy, Podlesny, a senior, has been one of the top kickers in the SEC, making 61-of-61 extra points and 23-of-26 field goals.
Tate Ratledge (Darlington School)
Ratledge, yet another homegrown talent on Georgia’s offensive line, completes this list of former in-state prospects who have gone on to play for the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs. A four-star recruit from Darlington in 2020, Ratledge starts for the Bulldogs at right guard.
