Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny announces entry into NFL Draft
Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny officially announced his intentions to enter the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday. The Saint Simon’s, Ga. native took to social media with the following message for Georgia fans:
“God blessed me with 5 incredible years at the University of Georgia, and what an unbelievable ride it’s been. When I joined the team as a walk-on, I had no idea what this experience would hold. 5 years, 2 National Championships and countless memories later, I’m closing the chapter of this incredible journey at UGA,” Podlesny wrote. “Countless individuals played a role in making my time at UGA as special as it’s been. To my family, friends, teammates, coaches, professors and all of Dawg Nation – thank you for challenging me, encouraging me and supporting me through it all.”
“I say all of this with a heavy heart knowing that there are two individuals I can’t thank. Devin Willock will always hold a special place in my heart. His laugh was gentle and soft, but heard by everyone; he had the most contagious smile ever, lighting up any room he walked into. Chandler LeCroy was intentional, positive and a light to this program. I hope to honor both of them and them proud in my future. As I embark on the next phase of my football career, I am officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. UGA will forever be a part of me, and Athens will always be a place I can call home. Thank you, Georgia. – Jack Podlesny”
Podlesny won SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, the second Georgia player to do so joining Jake Camarda from 2020. He also earned first-team placekicker and kickoff specialist according to the coaches. Twice was Podlesny named Special Teams Player of the Week, doing so in back to back weeks. He had a career-high four field goals against Samford and Missouri and scored a career-high number of points (15) in the win over Samford.
Overall on the season Podlesny hit 26 field goals and 73 extra points. His 151 points is the highest total of his career, topping last season’s total of 137. He’s went 26-of-31 with a long of 50 yards this year for a career-best season and an overall mark during his time at Georgia of 61-for-74 (82.43 percent). That included a career-long of 53 that won the Bulldogs the 2021 Peach Bowl over Cincinnati. Podlesny never had a kick blocked.
“It is a luxury to have him,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said about Podlesny this season. “He’s been Mr. Consistency since he’s been here, and he’s mentally wired the right way and does a tremendous job for our program.”
Podlesny also handled primary kickoff duties this past season with punter Jake Camarda off to the NFL. Of his 109 attempts, 72 went for touchbacks (66.06%). He averaged 63.9 yards per kickoff.
Podlesny has accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl on February 4th where he’ll get to kick in front of NFL scouts for a week in Mobile, Ala to showcase his skills.
