University of Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey is the 2023 recipient of the Wuerffel Trophy, which is awarded to the Football Bowl Subdivision football player who best combines exemplary community service with academic and athletic achievement.
McConkey attended North Murray High School in Chatsworth, Georgia, where he was a three sport star in football, basketball, and track. McConkey was initially a Tennessee Volunteer fan,
following the lead of his grandfather, Vic McConkey. Vic died on January 20, 2016, and from that time on Ladd competed with a towel with 1-20-16 written on it, to honor his grandfather.
Ladd received multiple scholarship offers to play college football, but when he received an offer from the University of Georgia on January 20, 2020, he knew that was the offer he wanted to accept. McConkey redshirted his freshman year, then played in all 15 games in the 2021 season, making the Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team. McConkey had an outstanding season in 2022, starting at wide receiver in 13 of 15 games, and scoring two touchdowns in the National Championship win over TCU. McConkey had another
solid season in 2023, but it was off the field, in community service, where his star shined brightest.
McConkey is extremely active in his community: visiting the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, raising funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, reading to children in local schools, volunteering in his area food bank, and much more.
McConkey graduated magna cum laude in three years with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He is currently enrolled in the University’s Entrepreneurship Certificate program.
McConkey was named to the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, and we are delighted to recognize him tonight as the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy recipient.
ABOUT THE WUERFFEL TROPHY
The Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast more than 800 recipients, dating back to 1935. For more information on the NCFAA, visit NCFAA.org.
The Wuerffel Trophy is supported by its corporate partners Dart Container Corporation/Solo Cup and Herff Jones.
