AD Mitchell leaves Georgia football with a legacy of big contributions

Georgia football fans may not be happy that wide receiver AD Mitchell has decided to enter the transfer portal, but he still leaves Athens with a legacy.

It was reported today that Georgia wide receiver Adonai Mitchell would be entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Bulldogs. The news had been rumored for a couple of days, but it was made official this afternoon.

Mitchell emerged as a potential star in 2021, as he caught 29 passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns.

The Texas native’s sophomore season was plagued with injuries. After a strong performance against Oregon in the season opener, Mitchell was injured on the first offensive play against Samford. He missed almost all of the Georgia football regular season, but he did return in time for the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.

Despite his low statistics, Mitchell is forever immortalized in program history. AD caught touchdown passes in every College Football Playoff game the Bulldogs played in while he was with the team. Two of those touchdowns were crucial.

With 11:35 left in the fourth quarter, Georgia was clinging to a 13-12 lead over the Crimson Tide. On 3rd and 8, Stetson Bennett was hit from behind and “fumbled” the ball, which would lead to an Alabama touchdown. This ended up being the turning point in the game.

Bennett and the Georgia offense stormed down the field following that controversial call, culminating in the Mailman throwing a dot to AD Mitchell for a go-ahead 40-yard touchdown. Georgia would take the lead and never lose it on their way to the program’s first title in 41 years.

The 2022 Peach Bowl saw another iconic AD Mitchell catch. With about two minutes left in the game, Georgia found themselves trailing the Ohio State Buckeyes 41-35. The Buckeyes had led most of the game, and it seemed as if Georgia’s quest for back-to-back championships was going to end in Atlanta.

Stetson Bennett and company would engineer a legendary comeback drive. He made big throws to players like Brock Bowers and Kearis Jackson to give Georgia a shot at six. On 2nd and Goal, Bennett would connect with Mitchell in the left corner of the endzone to tie the game.

Jack Podlesny’s extra point and “Old Lady Luck” would help the Dawgs win a thrilling game and put them in the championship game against TCU.

As much as it sucks to see Mitchell leave Georgia, he leaves as a back-to-back National Champion. He will also be remembered by the Bulldog Nation for generations to come.