Warren McClendon goes public with NFL Draft decision
Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon made his decision public on Saturday, announcing his intentions to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. A starter of 37 straight games including all 15 during Georgia’s 2021 national championship run, McClendon certainly will be fondly remembered in Athens for years to come.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunities he has blessed me with and for placing me at the University of Georgia. Without Him, I would not be in the position I am today.
“To Coach Smart, all the coaches, and the staff at the University of Georgia, the impact y’all have had on me is far greater than y’all will ever know. Thank you for all the guidance over the past 4 years and making me into the man I am today.
“To my family, I want to thank you for being there for me through every step of this journey and your unwavering support for me throughout the years.
“To my teammates, thanks for all the great memories that we’ve made over the past 4 years. We have achieved something that has never been done before here at the University of Georgia. Y’all are my brothers for life.
“To the University of Georgia, being here at Georgia has been the best 4 years of my life. I never could have imagined how big of an impact the University of Georgia would have on me through the people I have met and the memories I have made.
“Athens will always hold a special place in my heart. With that being said, it’s now time for me to take the next step in my career and start preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft.”
Thank you Georgia
Dawg for Life,
Warren McClendon Jr.
Those 37 starts for McClendon were consecutive, dating back to the second game of the 2020 season. He started every game of the 2021 season and the first 13 of this season before suffering a knee injury in the SEC Championship game. He didn’t start either of the College Football Playoff games but played quite a bit against TCU in the National Championship.
McClendon was named First-Team All-SEC by the coaches in 2022 starting the first 13 games at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, the Brunswick, Ga. native did not allow a sack in 395 snaps of pass protection.
McClendon suffered a knee injury in the SEC Championship Game against LSU and worked his way back to be available for the College Football Playoffs but did not start either the semifinal or the National Championship, watching Amarius Mims take his spot.
