“Were harder than the games”: LA Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey gives insight on Kirby Smart-led Georgia’s practice session

Ladd McConkey had a successful college football career at Georgia under Kirby Smart. The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver played an important role in helping the Bulldogs win consecutive national championships in Athens.

On “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, Ladd McConkey explained what a practice session under Kirby Smart looked like at Georgia. McAfee asked him if his time in Athens shaped him as a person and prepared him for the challenge in the NFL.

"Hundred percent,” McConkey responded. “I'm going against first-rounders day in and day out in practice. At Georgia, our practices were harder than the games, we're going to get after it.

"There are some weeks where shell’s Monday, full pads Tuesday, Wednesday shells. We're getting after it. As a receiver, you don't like that all the time but we won, so you don't really complain about it too much."

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Ladd McConkey explains what it’s like playing for Kirby Smart

Kirby Smart has established himself as one of the best coaches in college football. He has recorded significant success at Georgia, leading them to two national titles.

Ladd McConkey gave a glimpse of what it feels like playing under Kirby Smart, on The Pat McAfee Show.

“He was awesome, but he was demanding,” McConkey said. “He wanted things done in certain ways and you do that. So I have nothing but respect for Coach Smart. He took a chance on me coming out of high school. Definitely won't be where I am right now without him.”

Smart recruited McConkey as a three-star prospect in the class of 2020. He wasn’t a heavily recruited prospect and was heading to Chattanooga until the Bulldogs extended his only Power Five offer late in the recruiting process. He went on to become a success story in Athens.

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Ladd McConkey credits Kirby Smart for his success

Following an astonishing performance against the New Orleans Saints in October, McConkey addressed reporters about his seamless adjustment to the NFL. He attributed much of his success in Georgia to the guidance of coach Kirby Smart.

"It's definitely been a transition," McConkey said. "I wouldn't say effortless but I feel like coach Smart and everybody at Georgia kind of prepared me for this.

"We practice hard at Georgia. We take game reps at practice so now it just transitioned over here and continuing that, but taking it to another level.

Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chargers, McConkey has quickly made an impact as a rookie. This season, he has recorded 43 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns across 10 games.