University of Georgia Athletics
Godfrey Making His Own Mark At Georgia
December 10, 2024 | Men's Basketball
By Kaylin Vidal
Georgia Sports Communications
Standing in the tunnel of Stegeman Coliseum, RJ Godfrey could feel the energy even before stepping onto the court. The sound of the fans cheering blended with the blaring music, creating a wave of adrenaline. As he sprinted out into the arena, ready to face Central Florida in a preseason exhibition game, his first on Georgia's home court, the sight of countless fans illuminated by flashing red lights excited him. It was a moment he would never forget.
"I was like, 'The time has come. I can't believe this,'" he recalled.
For Godfrey, this season has been nothing short of surreal. As a first-year Georgia Bulldog, he's living a dream he never expected. After transferring from Clemson, Godfrey is making the most of his opportunity back in his home state. Slightly over a month into the season, he has started every game and is averaging 7.0 points and 5.6 rebounds a game — he scored a career-high 21 on Nov. 12 against North Florida.
The forward, originally from Suwanee, Ga., is a junior in two ways. Randall Godfrey Jr. is a third-year basketball player and the namesake of Randall Godfrey, a Georgia football legend. Godfrey Sr. permanently left his mark at Georgia as an All-SEC linebacker. He was drafted in the second round in 1996 by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to have a 12-year career in the NFL. He played for the Cowboys (1996-99), Tennessee (2000-02), Seattle (2003), San Diego (2004-06) and Washington (2007). Throughout his time, he recorded 841 tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2000.
Godfrey Sr. made sure to incorporate his family into his legacy. RJ came to countless football games by his dad's side, absorbing the Bulldog spirit from a young age. From the passionate chants of the fans to the vivid red and black colors adorning the stadium, those moments left a lasting impression on young RJ.
Growing up in a family infused with athletic greatness, RJ had big shoes to fill. RJ was introduced to sports at a young age and gravitated toward football and basketball, excelling in both as a boy. Football seemed like a natural choice, given his father's background, but by ninth grade he realized he loved basketball more because of the physical strain football put on him.
"I was really skinny then, so I didn't like the contact," Godfrey admitted with a laugh.
Even though they played different sports, Godfrey Sr. played an integral role in shaping RJ's athletic foundation. He trained RJ during his formative years and later sent his son to specialized trainers to enhance his basketball skills when RJ's passion intensified. His unwavering support ensured RJ had the tools and guidance to succeed.
Playing for Georgia wasn't always part of RJ's plan, but growing up immersed in the Bulldog culture made the decision feel inevitable.
"Growing up, seeing the 'G' everywhere in your house and everywhere in your city, it makes you want to play for them," Godfrey said.
Godfrey loves being at Georgia and feels immense pride in representing his home state and continuing his family's story at Georgia.
"It means everything to me," he said. "I try to play for more than just myself."
RJ's journey to Georgia has been transformative, both on and off the court. Since transferring, Godfrey has seen significant growth in himself from a spiritual and basketball aspect. He said his faith is the pillar of his current success, driving his attitude and performance.
"I've been trying my best every day," said Godfrey. "Not only to get better on the court but as a person and as a Christian."
Straight out of high school, Godfrey went to Clemson where he played for two seasons, mostly as a reserve. He only started in one game in his career at Clemson and averaged 12.6 minutes and 4.7 points per game.
"I learned a lot from that place and met a lot of wonderful people that I'm still talking to today," he said.
Basketball may set RJ apart in a family steeped in football tradition, but it hasn't created any rifts with his family. Sometimes he feels he can't relate, but he is doing what makes him happy and so are they. His younger brother, Grant, is currently playing football at Kentucky, adding another layer of athletic excellence to the Godfrey household. Despite the differing sports, RJ's family remains steadfast in their support.
"My family is going to support me no matter what I do, especially my dad. He made that known from an early age," Godfrey said. "They were fine with me just playing basketball and not football because I'm not defined by what I play. I'm defined by who I am."
As the season unfolds, RJ's impact on and off the court continues to grow. Each game is an opportunity to showcase his skill, honor his faith, and carry forward the legacy his family began. Now wearing the red and black, he knows he's more than a player — he's part of something bigger. And he's making his mark, one game at a time.
Georgia Sports Communications
Standing in the tunnel of Stegeman Coliseum, RJ Godfrey could feel the energy even before stepping onto the court. The sound of the fans cheering blended with the blaring music, creating a wave of adrenaline. As he sprinted out into the arena, ready to face Central Florida in a preseason exhibition game, his first on Georgia's home court, the sight of countless fans illuminated by flashing red lights excited him. It was a moment he would never forget.
"I was like, 'The time has come. I can't believe this,'" he recalled.
For Godfrey, this season has been nothing short of surreal. As a first-year Georgia Bulldog, he's living a dream he never expected. After transferring from Clemson, Godfrey is making the most of his opportunity back in his home state. Slightly over a month into the season, he has started every game and is averaging 7.0 points and 5.6 rebounds a game — he scored a career-high 21 on Nov. 12 against North Florida.
The forward, originally from Suwanee, Ga., is a junior in two ways. Randall Godfrey Jr. is a third-year basketball player and the namesake of Randall Godfrey, a Georgia football legend. Godfrey Sr. permanently left his mark at Georgia as an All-SEC linebacker. He was drafted in the second round in 1996 by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to have a 12-year career in the NFL. He played for the Cowboys (1996-99), Tennessee (2000-02), Seattle (2003), San Diego (2004-06) and Washington (2007). Throughout his time, he recorded 841 tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2000.
Godfrey Sr. made sure to incorporate his family into his legacy. RJ came to countless football games by his dad's side, absorbing the Bulldog spirit from a young age. From the passionate chants of the fans to the vivid red and black colors adorning the stadium, those moments left a lasting impression on young RJ.
Growing up in a family infused with athletic greatness, RJ had big shoes to fill. RJ was introduced to sports at a young age and gravitated toward football and basketball, excelling in both as a boy. Football seemed like a natural choice, given his father's background, but by ninth grade he realized he loved basketball more because of the physical strain football put on him.
"I was really skinny then, so I didn't like the contact," Godfrey admitted with a laugh.
Even though they played different sports, Godfrey Sr. played an integral role in shaping RJ's athletic foundation. He trained RJ during his formative years and later sent his son to specialized trainers to enhance his basketball skills when RJ's passion intensified. His unwavering support ensured RJ had the tools and guidance to succeed.
Playing for Georgia wasn't always part of RJ's plan, but growing up immersed in the Bulldog culture made the decision feel inevitable.
"Growing up, seeing the 'G' everywhere in your house and everywhere in your city, it makes you want to play for them," Godfrey said.
Godfrey loves being at Georgia and feels immense pride in representing his home state and continuing his family's story at Georgia.
"It means everything to me," he said. "I try to play for more than just myself."
RJ's journey to Georgia has been transformative, both on and off the court. Since transferring, Godfrey has seen significant growth in himself from a spiritual and basketball aspect. He said his faith is the pillar of his current success, driving his attitude and performance.
"I've been trying my best every day," said Godfrey. "Not only to get better on the court but as a person and as a Christian."
Straight out of high school, Godfrey went to Clemson where he played for two seasons, mostly as a reserve. He only started in one game in his career at Clemson and averaged 12.6 minutes and 4.7 points per game.
"I learned a lot from that place and met a lot of wonderful people that I'm still talking to today," he said.
Basketball may set RJ apart in a family steeped in football tradition, but it hasn't created any rifts with his family. Sometimes he feels he can't relate, but he is doing what makes him happy and so are they. His younger brother, Grant, is currently playing football at Kentucky, adding another layer of athletic excellence to the Godfrey household. Despite the differing sports, RJ's family remains steadfast in their support.
"My family is going to support me no matter what I do, especially my dad. He made that known from an early age," Godfrey said. "They were fine with me just playing basketball and not football because I'm not defined by what I play. I'm defined by who I am."
As the season unfolds, RJ's impact on and off the court continues to grow. Each game is an opportunity to showcase his skill, honor his faith, and carry forward the legacy his family began. Now wearing the red and black, he knows he's more than a player — he's part of something bigger. And he's making his mark, one game at a time.
Players Mentioned
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