University of Georgia Athletics
Player Spotlight: Chris Conley
December 01, 2011 | Football
Dec. 1, 2011
For the seniors on Georgia's football team, getting to play in the Southeastern Conference Championship is a great way to cap their careers as Bulldogs. For the freshmen, it is just the beginning, and this taste of success may leave them wanting more in their four-year career.
However, freshman Chris Conley isn't focusing on the hype of it being a championship game. He is still taking it one game at a time—just like Georgia has done through its 10-game win streak.
"Everybody always talks about the SEC Championship and championships, period, as big games, but it's still the same thing; we come in on Monday and do game reviews, we look over the scout report, and you look at a team and see there are 11 guys on the field," Conley said. "There is a certain magnitude and prestige that comes with a game like this, but really, when you think about it, it's just another game and we've got to prepare the same way."
Moving forward with the season, the week will have Conley preparing to take on No. 1 LSU in the Georgia Dome. The Dallas, Ga., native isn't letting his inexperience or the build-up of the game get the best of him.
"I don't really get nervous because of who we play," Conley said. "I really like to focus on me and the things that I can do and the things that I can control. When it comes down to getting nervous, I don't really get nervous because of teams. I might get butterflies before I step on the field, but not necessarily because of who we're playing or what's at stake because if you play like that I feel like you aren't going to do your best."
When playing an undefeated team like LSU, opposing teams tend to become the underdog. However, Conley said that these types of games are the reason you come to Georgia—ones where you are going to be challenged, not have things handed to you; where you have to work and take things for yourself.
Conley doesn't plan to let that underdog status bother him, but instead he will accept it and work hard in practice to learn the game plan and be able to execute it fully come Saturday.
"I love being in that role," Conley said. "It's a role that I was used to being in high school. It's a role that coming here after the season we had previously, I felt we were in at the beginning of the season. I feel like we thrive in that role. It's one we really feel comfortable in. It really puts a chip on our shoulder and makes us work. Teams don't really expect much coming from us, so I think it is a role we are going to embrace."
Conley has helped the Georgia offense improve throughout the 2011 season. Through the nine games he participated in, Conley has 13 receptions for 248 yards, good for a team-high 19.1 average yards. After making his first catch against Mississippi State, the wide receiver progressively earned more catches, including a career-high five for 126 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico State.
Along with the other young players on the receiving corps, Conley is showing more comfort on the field as well as building trust and respect with quarterback Aaron Murray.
"It is something that grows over time," Conley said. "Aaron gives us an opportunity to make a play. We work in practice to be consistent and give him great looks, and as the weeks go on, he has given us more and more opportunities. You just get more comfortable with each other. After you play, throw and catch so much you start to understand how he is thinking and what he is looking at."
No matter the outcome of Saturday, the Bulldogs have earned the chance to play at a bowl game. Although which bowl game is still to be determined, Conley is excited for the opportunity to add another game to Georgia's growing schedule.
"What happens may happen," Conley said. "We are definitely embracing the challenge and ready to play another game of football."
