Talented Georgia football wide receiver Ladd McConkey will play in the Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles, even though he faces the upcoming decision if he wants to enter the NFL Draft. He spoke to the media Thursday about wanting to play in the bowl game as the university and program have “done so much” for himself and is looking in any way to pay it back according to Connor Riley of DawgNation.com.

“This place has done so much for me. They poured into me here,” McConkey said. “The main thing is playing with a great group of guys. I’ve really gained I guess 130 different brothers. Every single year, I’ve seen so many guys come in like Stokes, Richard LeCounte and Monty [Rice] and then Kearis [Jackson], Stetson [Bennett], Kenny [McIntosh], all those guys, I can’t name them all because there are so many. I’ve developed so many good relationships and guys I know I can call and count on. And I hope they know they can do the same with me.”

He feels it is the least he can do for the Georgia football team as McConkey has been dealing with constant injury problems, especially this season as he has missed five games because of issues with his ankle and back. However, McConkey's outlook is realistic as he said that injuries in happen in the game of football.

“Definitely been frustrating,” McConkey said. “But at the end of the day, it’s football. It’s injuries. You can’t really control them. I try to control what I can control and when I get my opportunity to make the most of them.”

Georgia football coach Mike Bobo has high praise for McConkey

Ladd McConkey, Georgia Football

If there is one coach who will sing the praises of the wide receiver, it is his offensive coordinator in Mike Bobo who calls the 22-year old a “tough man.” On the other hand, he admitted that it can be difficult coming up with gameplans when the coaching staff doesn't know if he is playing or not.

“It’s a tough, tough young man,” Bobo said per DawgNation.com. “He’s been battling injuries all year. He’s one of our best weapons on the offense. It’s been a struggle sometimes to put gameplans together when you don’t know if he’s in or out. When he’s been able to go, he went and gave everything he had for the University of Georgia. Excited to see him out there in practice this week running around and making plays. I’m glad he’s back.”

Having played in seven games this season, McConkey has caught 29 passes for 456 yards to go with his two touchdowns. He really showed his talent in the season prior where he had 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bobo wishes he had more time with McConkey

He had two standout games in the regular season, especially against the University of Florida where he had 135 yards off six catches and scored. The other was the week after against the University of Missouri, catching seven balls for 95 yards. Bobo said to the media Thursday that he wishes he “had him more.”

“I wish I had him more,” Bobo said. “I know that. It’s good to see him out there practicing and healthy right now. Tough young man that’s battled through some injuries this year. You hate to see that in his last year, that he’s had to battle through all these injuries, but he’s worked hard to get back and get ready to play against Florida State this Saturday.”

Does McConkey have great traits for the NFL?

In terms of the attributes he has for college, Bobo cites his route running, speed, and his play-making after he makes the catch as ones that stand out. If the ultimate decision is to go test the waters in the pros, the Orange Bowl could be the last showcase for McConkey with the Bulldogs to show his skillset as there is no doubt that NFL scouts will be at the game.

“One of the best route runners that we have, he’s extremely quick in short area and then has great long speed,” Bobo said. “He’s good with the ball in his hand after the catch, a guy you can hand it to or throw it to. I’m excited to have him this Saturday for sure.”

On Dec. 30, fans will get to see the No. 6 Georgia football program takes on the undefeated No. 5 Florida State Seminoles. While there is a lot of drama surrounding the game due to the placement and ranking of some teams, these teams have one more chance to prove to the committee that they made a mistake.

The Capital One Orange Bowl will be at 4:00 p.m. (EST) and it will take place inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, home to the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Miami Dolphins.