Georgia grad Jake Camarda honors Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy in playoff game
Former Georgia punter Jake Camarda, now in his rookie season of the NFL, has his college on his mind tonight. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing host to the Dallas Cowboys in the final game of Super Wild Card Weekend, Camarda has on a towel to recognize Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy.
Willock and LeCroy, both members of the football program, died Sunday morning due to injuries sustained in an Athens car crash. Willock, a third-year offensive lineman, played in all 15 games for Georgia on the Bulldogs’ way to a second straight National Championship with two starts while LeCroy worked in the football program as a recruiting support staffer.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”
The University of Georgia Athletic Association released a statement shortly after news broke of the crash that shared the following:
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel.
“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief. We can provide no further comment at this time but ask that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”
Camarda and Willock were teammates two seasons in Athens. Camarda was taken in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2022 NFL Draft as a part of Georgia’s record-breaking draft class. On 79 punt attempts as a rookie, Camarda averaged 48.8 yards per attempt with a season-long 74 yarder. Ten punts went for touchdowns while 22 we downed inside the 20-yard-line. Camarda also handles kickoff duties for the Bucs. He did so at Georgia too his final two seasons while punting for all four years, being named an All-SEC punter in both 2020 and 2021.
