Conley Makes Mark in First Career Start

From UGA Sports Communications

Dallas native and sophomore receiver Chris Conley had a standout game for the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday. In his first career start, he helped the Bulldogs beat the Auburn Tigers 38-0. He tallied four receptions on the night for 32 yards total and one touchdown.

The offense knew they had to take control of the game early in order to clinch the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division, and with Conley’s help, they did just that. On the first drive of the night, quarterback Aaron Murray threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Conley that put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard first. Conley continued to be a dependable target throughout the night.

Conley, a former wide receiver for the North Paulding High School Wolfpack, stepped up to the plate Saturday as he helped fill the spots of Michael Bennett and Marlon Brown, who both are out due to ACL injuries. When asked about what it was like to have so many older teammates play in front of him, Conley said, “It’s a lesson in patience.” He knew he had a responsibility and said, “It’s unfortunate that they’re out but when they’re out, it’s time to make plays and time to step up.” No doubt Conley did just that.

Conley was also a factor in the Bulldogs’ season opener. In that game, Conley, as part of the special teams unit, blocked a second-quarter punt by Buffalo University. He also caught two of Murray’s passes for a total of 20 yards.

The local player signed with the Bulldogs in 2011 and received one of the team’s Newcomer of the Year Awards as a freshman last fall. He appeared in 11 games last season, catching 16 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

Conley has been making statements not only on the field but off the field as well. He is part of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is also the only player on the NCAA Football Issues Committee. He is representing Georgia nationwide and it looks like there are only good things that will be coming from him in the future.