NFL Draft 2023: Georgia TE Darnell Washington and DB Kelee Ringo declare after two title wins

Two key players from Georgia’s back-to-back college football playoff titles have entered the NFL draft.

Massive tight end Darnell Washington and defenseman Kelee Ringo are both attending the April event after announcing their intentions on Instagram.

“My time in Athens has come to an end as I pursue my dreams of playing in the NFL,” the 6ft 7, 270lb Washington wrote.

“To my Bulldogs who have been in the hedges with me past and present, we have won in many areas but on the field we have earned the title of National Champion – twice,” Ringo wrote on Instagram. “We helped build something special and I’m grateful to have had you as a teammate.”

Darnell Washington (6ft 7, 270lbs) teamed with tight end Brock Bowers to give Georgia a dominant 1-2 hit in the often overlooked position. While he wasn’t one of the team’s biggest stars, he has the size to play in the NFL

Kelee Ringo will be long remembered for a pick-six interception that sealed Georgia’s first national title in 41 seasons with a 33-18 win over Alabama to cap out the 2021 season

Washington teamed up with tight end Brock Bowers to give Georgia a dominant 1-2 punch in the often-overlooked position. While he wasn’t one of the team’s biggest stars, he has the size to play in the NFL.

ESPN’s Todd McShay ranked Washington as the third best player in the position going into the April draft.

Ringo will be long remembered for a pick-six interception that sealed Georgia’s first national title in 41 seasons with a 33-18 win over Alabama to cap out the 2021 season.

McShay has ranked Ringo as No. 17 overall prospect and a likely first round pick.

Darnell Washington made his announcement on Instagram after winning two titles with UGa.

The Bulldogs clinched back-to-back national titles Monday night with a 65-7 win over TCU.

A celebration is planned in Athens on Saturday with a parade through the city and a ceremony at Sanford Stadium.

Ringo had two interceptions, seven passes defended, one forced fumble and 42 tackles last season.

Another Georgia tight end, the sparingly used Ryland Goede, tweeted that he would be entering the transfer portal. Two other reserve tightends, Arik Gilbert and Brett Seither, had previously announced they were planning a move.

The Bulldogs are still well-occupied at that position as Bowers is set to return for his third season and former top recruit Oscar Delp has had a promising freshman campaign.

Ringo is expected by many to be the first choice having won two national titles