One of Georgia’s smallest players in 2016 could prove to be one of the biggest losses going into the 2017 season.
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Georgia football had a lot of success this time around when it came to NFL early entry decisions. Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Davin Bellamy, Lorenzo Carter, Dominick Sanders, and Aaron Davis all could’ve decided to forego their senior seasons and take their chances the next level.
But Isaiah McKenzie was the lone Bulldog that decided to roll the dice and enter the NFL early.
And earlier this week it was announced that he would also be the only Bulldog that received an invitation to the NFL’s scouting combine from Feb. 28 to Mar. 6.
McKenzie definitely surprised Bulldog Nation when he made his decision. It’s not that he lacks the skill set, you just don’t see many players of McKenzie’s stature playing on Sundays.
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Listed at 5’8, 175 pounds (Both of which could be generous) on Georgia’s official website, McKenzie was by far the Dawgs’ most consistent play-maker in the passing game.
McKenzie led the Bulldogs with 44 receptions, 633 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, while also adding 134 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He averaged 10.7 yards per punt return with one touchdown this season, giving him a school-record six return touchdowns for his career.
And that’s where McKenzie is going to have to make his impact: Special Teams.
There’s a reason he was given the nickname: The Human Joystick. The guy would make your jaw drop sometimes with the way he’s able to make people miss.
The only problem is that the NFL is seemingly doing everything in their power to take the kickoffs out of the game. It might be good news for player safety and concussions, but it’s bad news for kick return specialists.
CBSSports.com ranks McKenzie as the no. 37 wide receiver prospect in the draft, and no. 291 overall.