2023 NFL Draft: Georgia CB Kelee Ringo, potential top 10 pick, declares after leading Bulldogs to CFP title

Georgia cornerback Keeley Ringo announced Thursday that he will be declared in the NFL Draft after a redshirt sophomore season with the Bulldogs. As a result, he earned second-team All-SEC honors while helping anchor the Bulldogs’ secondary.

“When I arrived in Athens on my first visit, I knew I was home,” Ringo wrote in a message posted on social media. During my three years as a student-athlete, I received many memories, experiences and, most importantly, an excellent education.”

Ringo missed his true freshman season in 2020 while rehabbing from surgery, but will be ready for 2021 when he steps into the starting lineup early in the season and becomes a key cog in the dominant unit. As a sophomore, he began fulfilling his 5-star lead claim. As one of the few starters to return to Georgia’s defense in 2022, Ringo has assumed the unit’s spotlight role.He finished the season with 42 tackles and two interceptions

On the field, many will remember Ringo’s interception return for the touchdown that helped seal the Bulldogs’ national title win against Alabama last season. Off the field, Ringo’s story resonated nationally while in Georgia, where her mother was battling breast cancer. Ringo held a fundraiser in his fight against the disease.

“You have all been with me through the ups and downs,” Ringo wrote. “And as a God-fearing man, I truly appreciate your continued prayers, support, and concern for breast cancer, especially the support of my mother, Traleigh Hale. She is my rock.”

Kelee Ringo’s NFL Draft Stock

Ringo is ranked 10th overall and top cornerback in the 2023 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings. CBS NFL Draft pundits Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, and Josh Edwards each made Ringo a first-round pick in the latest mock draft. Wilson is Ringo’s tallest pick, with the 16th overall pick by the Washington Commanders.

“The pipeline from Georgia to Round 1 continues,” Wilson wrote. “He’s been a year since five Bulldogs made it to Round 1, so expect a handful of guys to play again this time. Kelly Ringo is a long, physical corner and one of the best in the country. We’ve been fighting with you.”

Impact on Georgia

Redshirt freshman Nyland Green was listed behind Ringo on Georgia’s depth charts ahead of the program’s College Football Playoff National Championship game victory over TCU. A former five-star prospect from the 2021 class, Green could have a bigger role next season after appearing in 11 contests during the 2022 season.

If not Green, Bulldog should have some other capable options in the vacant position on Ringo. Playing mainly as a reserve, there is also the possibility of lining up for a major role next season.

However, according to Dawgs247, another highly publicized member of the Georgian Secondary departs as the Jaheim Singletary plans to enter the transfer portal. Singletary played in his three games in his true freshman season of 2022 after he entered as a four-star prospect in his Class of 2022.