Rising NFL talent Ladd McConkey, known for his achievements as a Los Angeles Chargers receiver and former University of Georgia standout, will be the featured speaker at the Times Free Press Best of Preps awards banquet on June 18. The event will take place at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in downtown Chattanooga, celebrating regional student-athletes and highlighting McConkey’s inspiring journey from local high school athlete to professional football player.
McConkey’s Journey from North Murray to the NFL
McConkey, a Chatsworth native, gained national attention after contributing to back-to-back College Football Playoff national championships with Georgia in 2021 and 2022. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a key player for the Chargers. Fellow NFL players recognized him among the top 100 league talents heading into the 2025 season, underscoring his rapid rise in professional football.
Mark Jones, vice president of marketing and operations at the Times Free Press, expressed enthusiasm about McConkey’s involvement with the banquet, saying,
“We are really excited to host Ladd McConkey as our featured speaker for this year’s Best of Preps awards banquet,”
and added,
“His amazing journey from playing high school football here in our area, to winning national titles at Georgia and now as a key contributor to the Chargers is a testament to hard work paying off.”
Jones further emphasized the importance of showcasing local athletes who have progressed to professional levels, stating,
“It’s great to bring professional athletes who started right here as a Best of Preps honoree. It shows all of our regional student-athletes that their path to success can start right here.”
Event Background and Previous Highlights
This marks the second consecutive year a former Best of Preps honoree will headline the banquet, following last year’s featured speaker, Rhyne Howard, a WNBA star and Bradley Central alumnus. The awards ceremony will again be hosted at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, preceded by an opening reception. Tickets for the June 18 event will be available starting May 3 at bestofprepschatt.com.
McConkey’s Early Athletic Achievements and Multi-Sport Talent
McConkey’s connection to the Best of Preps runs deep; he was a finalist for the Scrappy Moore Male Athlete of the Year at the 2020 banquet. That year, he was instrumental in North Murray High’s first-ever region championship in football, which included a historic victory over GHSA powerhouse Calhoun. Throughout his prep career, McConkey showcased his versatility by playing quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive back, and excelling as a kick and punt returner under coach Preston Poag.
During his senior year, he accounted for 36 touchdowns and accumulated over 3,000 all-purpose yards in football. Off the field, he contributed significantly to the basketball team’s success, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game during a 21-win season.
Reflecting on returning for the banquet, McConkey said,
“It’s awesome to be able to come back to the area, and I’m excited to celebrate the kids and what they’ve accomplished,”
and added,
“They deserve to be recognized.”
He also noted,
“I spend my offseason back home in Georgia. It’s where my family is, my home. I definitely still keep up with what’s going on back home and at Georgia. I talk to Coach Poag and other coaches that I’m still close to, and they keep me posted on what’s happening.”
Collegiate Success and Growth at the University of Georgia
Georgia was the first major program to offer McConkey a scholarship, with head coach Kirby Smart attending one of McConkey’s basketball games and conducting an in-home visit. Though he redshirted in his first year and began on the scout team, he steadily earned playing time and became a starter for the last seven games of the 2021 season. That year, he scored five receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, displaying his offensive versatility.
Over his collegiate career, McConkey collected 1,687 receiving yards, averaging 14.1 yards per reception, added 218 rushing yards, and totaled 18 touchdowns for the Bulldogs. His determination and development helped solidify his reputation as a reliable offensive weapon at the power-conference level.
Breakout Rookie NFL Season and Recognition
Selected 34th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, McConkey immediately made his mark, setting a franchise rookie record for the Chargers with 82 receptions totaling 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised McConkey’s one-on-one coverage ability, describing him as uncoverable. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert also acknowledged his unique blend of skill and intellect, stating,
“He’s the perfect combination of athleticism and intelligence.”
In his second season, McConkey continued to shine, amassing 789 receiving yards and six touchdowns while contributing to the Chargers’ consecutive playoff appearances, affirming his role as a vital contributor to the team’s success.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes
As a graduate of Georgia with a finance degree, McConkey hopes to motivate young athletes with his story. He shared,
“The biggest message I want to pass along to the athletes is to just believe in yourself,”
explaining how, as a three-star prospect with limited recruitment until his senior year, he persevered by focusing on grinding for an opportunity.
He continued,
“Then when I committed to Georgia, so many people asked why since they didn’t think it would work out for me there. I was going against a lot of guys who were five-stars and future first-rounders, so it may not happen overnight. Hopefully I can be an inspiration that it can be done if you believe and work for it.”
McConkey’s return as the featured speaker at this year’s Best of Preps banquet underscores the event’s mission to highlight local talent and encourage aspiring athletes throughout the region to pursue their dreams with dedication and resilience.
