Thought by some to be a three-and-done player almost from the moment he stepped foot on the Georgia campus, Orson Charles made official Wednesday what has long been expected.
In an announcement this afternoon, the All-American tight end confirmed that he’s leaving the Bulldogs early in order to enter the April NFL draft.
“I want to thank God, the University of Georgia, our coaches and the fans for building me up spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally over the last three years,” said Charles in a statement. “The fans stuck with us through a rough season last year and through our struggles this season and our coaching staff provided me with the tools necessary to make it in football and in life. Either decision I made, I want to be able to look back at it and be happy with the choice I made and I think I will withthis decision. It was difficult but not stressful to be in a situation where you can’t go wrong either way.”
Charles was tied for second on the team in receptions (45) in 2011 and was third in receiving yards (574), and finished his UGA career with 94 catches for 1,370 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The 6-3, 241-pounder becomes the second draft-eligible tight end to leave school early since the end of the season, joining Clemson’s Dwayne Allen.