Georgia's John FitzPatrick declares for 2022 NFL Draft
Georgia's John FitzPatrick declares for 2022 NFL Draft
Georiga redshirt junior tight end John FitzPatrick recently announced that he intends to take his talents to NFL.
FitzPatrick had two years of eligibility left due to COVID-19, although now he will enter his name in the 2022 NFL Draft.
"Thank you to the [University of Georgia] for the best four years of my life," Fitzpatrick said in a graphic posted on his Twitter account. "I received an amazing education, made lifelong friendships, and had the opportunity to challenge myself in the classroom while playing a game that I love, surrounded by fans who love it just as much.”
The 6-foot-7, 250-pound tight end also thanked the Georgia coaching staff and his family for supporting him.
"Thank you to Coach Smart, Coach Hartley, Ron Courson, and the rest of the UGA staff,” FitzPatrick stated. “You believed in me, challenged me, and supported me to become a better player and person. Also, thank you to my family. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I have the greatest cheering squad I could have imagined watching me and watching over me, and I count my blessings every day for that.”
FitzPatrick then explained that he came to Georgia to chase a dream and win a title.
"I came to UGA because I wanted to play at the highest level and to help UGA win a national championship,” he added. “With that goal achieved, it is time to move toward my next goal and begin preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft. I'm excited and hopeful to see what is next. Go Dawgs!"
FitzPatrick was a four-star product out of Marist in Atlanta. He played in 38 games over the last four seasons, recording 17 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown in that span.
His career-high in receptions and receiving yards came against Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl. He totaled four receptions for 41 yards in Georgia’s victory to end the 2020 season.
FitzPatrick was one of Georgia’s premier interior and exterior run blockers over the last few seasons, and he helped former teammate D’Andre Swift rush for over 1,000 yards in 2019.
In the past few seasons, the Bulldogs have had a few tight ends drafted: Isaac Nauta (7th round, Detriot Tigers), Charlie Woerner (6th round, San Francisco 49ers) and Tre’ McKitty (3rd round, Los Angeles Chargers).