Brock Bowers Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA college football game against Ole Miss in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Georgia won 52-17. (Credit: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Georgia Bulldogs will need a new starting tight end next season, as junior Brock Bowers has officially declared for the NFL Draft.

Bowers confirmed the news Tuesday night in an Instagram post, saying, “Dawg Nation, words cannot describe how thankful I am for what these last 3 years have brought. It has been an unbelievable honor and privilege to play for this university. It has given me memories that will last a lifetime. First, I’d like to thank my family for always being there to support me through my journey. Especially my mom and dad for making countless trips across the country.” He continued his post by thanking his coaches, teammates, and Georgia fans.

In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Bowers went above and beyond. He hauled in the third-most receptions in school history with 175, is fifth all-time amongst Bulldogs with 2,538 receiving yards, and his 26 career touchdown receptions are second in Georgia history behind just Terrance Edwards (30). Additionally, Bowers set the Georgia single-season touchdown reception record when he grabbed 13 in the 2022 season.

Bowers, a projected top-10 NFL draft pick, is the only tight end to ever win the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end, twice. He won the award in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Bowers was named to the All-SEC First Team in each of his three seasons.

[Brock Bowers]