Georgia defensive back Eric Stokes announced on Monday via Twitter that he will forego his senior season at UGA and enter the 2021 NFL Draft in a heartfelt post thanking DawgNation and the Georgia football family.
1ove 💙 #TP pic.twitter.com/n6wVBplsf1
— Eric Stokes Jr (@_jamane_) December 28, 2020
Stokes has been a lockdown corner for the Bulldogs since 2018 and especially this season, as the junior was named a first-team All-American by CBS Sports and 247 Sports.Â
This season Stokes recorded 20 tackles, eight passes defended and a team-leading four interceptions, including two returned for a touchdown.
Stokes has always been a class act in his time in Athens. A three-star prospect out of Covington, Georgia, he worked his way from an unheralded young corner that played running back at Eastside High School to a projected first-round NFL Draft pick in just three seasons as a Bulldog.
“So with that being said, and after so much prayer and conversation with my family and mentors, I will forego my final year at UGA and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”
We would love to see the junior wear the Red and Black another season, but just as Stokes holds DawgNation in a special place, so will we remember the humility and strong work ethic that he showed in his time in Athens.
I will remember Stokes most for his community efforts like this one.
Today I was grateful to meet a young boy from Covington, GA by the name of Jasper. He is currently fighting a sickness and all he wanted to do was meet me. Such a humbling experience, I am glad I was able to make his day. Little did he know, I’m the one who’s day was truly made. pic.twitter.com/GTscZpcL5R
— Eric Stokes Jr (@_jamane_) May 25, 2018
Eric, thank you for representing Georgia football with respect and dignity on and off the field. – DawgNation