Who is Brock Vandagriff? Brock Vandagriff is a name that resonates with college football enthusiasts, especially those following the University of Georgia and the University of Kentucky. Born on May 30, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, Brock quickly rose to prominence as a five-star recruit and standout quarterback at Prince Avenue Christian School. His journey from high school phenom to college athlete saw him initially commit to Oklahoma before choosing Georgia, where he contributed to back-to-back national championships. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to Kentucky, where he showcased his skills and leadership. Despite a promising career, Brock announced his retirement from football in December 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and achievement.
Key Takeaways:
- Brock Vandagriff, a talented quarterback, made a mark in high school and college football. Despite facing challenges, he showcased leadership, skill, and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
- From impressive high school achievements to a successful college career, Brock Vandagriff's journey in football was filled with memorable moments, accolades, and recognition. His decision to retire marked the end of an illustrious career.
Early Life and Family
Brock Vandagriff's journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born into a supportive family.
- Birth and Family: Born on May 30, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, Brock is the son of Greg and Kelly Vandagriff. He has two sisters, Anna and Audrey.
High School Career
Brock's high school years were marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.
- High School Career: He played football at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia, under the coaching of his father, Greg Vandagriff.
- Recruiting Status: As a five-star recruit, he was rated the #2 dual-threat quarterback prospect, #2 prospect in Georgia, and #14 prospect nationally.
- High School Achievements: In his senior year, he completed 252 passes for 4,169 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 500 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading his team to a 13-1 record and the Class A-Private state title.
- Awards and Recognition: Named Mr. Georgia by the Atlanta Touchdown Club and a finalist for the 2020 National High School Quarterback of the Year Award.
College Commitment and Career at Georgia
Brock's college journey began with a commitment to Oklahoma, but he eventually found his way to Georgia.
- College Commitment: Initially committed to Oklahoma but later chose the University of Georgia due to concerns about distance from home.
- College Career at Georgia: Spent most of his time as a backup to Stetson Bennett and JT Daniels. Made his debut against UAB and appeared in reserve in Georgia's win over Charleston Southern.
- Contributions to National Championships: Part of Georgia's back-to-back national championship teams in 2021 and 2022. Appeared in 13 games, completing 12 of 21 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, with 46 rushing yards on six attempts.
Transfer to Kentucky
Seeking more playing time, Brock transferred to the University of Kentucky.
- Transfer to Kentucky: Transferred to Kentucky for his junior year in 2024, reuniting with offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
- Performance at Kentucky: Played in 11 games, throwing for 1,593 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Also rushed for 131 yards on 90 attempts.
- Davey O’Brien Award Recognition: Named to the Davey O’Brien Award “Great 8” list for his performance in Kentucky’s 20-17 upset at No. 6/5 Ole Miss.
- Career Statistics: Played in 24 total games (13 at Georgia and 11 at UK). Went 4-7 as a starter, completing 137 of 239 passes for 1,758 yards and 12 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Also rushed for 96 yards on 177 attempts.
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List: Named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List in 2024.
- Davey O’Brien Award Watch List: Also named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List in 2024.
Memorable Performances
Brock had several standout moments during his college career.
- Career-High Performance: In Kentucky’s game against Ole Miss, his 63-yard bomb to junior wide receiver Barion Brown set up Kentucky’s game-winning touchdown. He also ran or scrambled 12 times for 48 yards, including five first downs.
- Career-Long Scramble: During a game against Murray State, he had a career-long, nifty, 22-yard scramble on a 3rd-and-15 play that carried him to the Murray State 3-yard line, setting up a Kentucky touchdown.
- Career-High Rushing Yards: In a game against Vanderbilt, he rushed for a career-high 37 yards.
High School Honors and Awards
Brock's high school career was decorated with numerous honors and awards.
- High School Honors: Named to the 2020 USA Today Preseason All-USA Second Team offense and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2020 all-classification Player of the Year. Also named to Georgia’s Super 11.
- High School Awards: In addition to being named Mr. Georgia, he was also named the Atlanta Touchdown Club’s 2020 “Mr. Georgia” and a finalist for the 2020 National High School Quarterback of the Year Award.
- High School Statistics: During his senior year, he completed 70.9% of his passes for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns. Also rushed for over 500 yards and 17 touchdowns.
- High School Recognition: Invited to the 2020 Elite 11 Finals and was a standout player in his region, leading his team to several victories and accolades.
College Playing Time and Transfer Decision
Despite limited playing time at Georgia, Brock remained committed to his team.
- College Playing Time: Appeared in reserve roles in several games but did not start until his transfer to Kentucky.
- Transfer Decision: Entered the transfer portal on December 4, 2023, seeking more playing time and a clearer path to starting.
College Statistics and Leadership at Kentucky
Brock's time at Kentucky allowed him to showcase his skills and leadership.
- College Statistics at Georgia: Completed two of three passes for 77 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown pass in the season-opening victory over UT Martin. Also completed four of five passes for 37 yards in the win over UAB and five of seven passes for 46 yards and one touchdown as a reserve against Kentucky.
- College Statistics at Kentucky: Completed 125 of 281 passes for 1,593 yards and 10 scores with eight interceptions. Also rushed 90 times for 131 yards.
- Leadership Role: In 2024, took on a leadership role at Kentucky, serving as a team captain.
Community Involvement and Academic Excellence
Brock's contributions extended beyond the football field.
- Community Involvement: Recognized for his community involvement and academic excellence, exemplifying values of kindness, school pride, and outstanding academic effort.
- Scholarships and Awards: Received several scholarships and awards during his high school career, including the Bill & Margaret Young Football Scholarship, the Ramsey Scholarship for Academic and Athletic Excellence, and the Louis S. Sohn Jr. Athletic Scholarship Endowment.
High School Coaches and Sports Writers Recognition
Brock's high school achievements were acknowledged by various coaches and sports writers.
- High School Coaches Association Recognition: Named to several high school coaches association teams, including the AJC All-State Class A-Private First Team offense and the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Class A All-State Team offense.
- High School Sports Writers Association Recognition: Recognized by the Georgia Sports Writers Association, being named to the Class A-Private All-State Team offense and the Class A Offensive Player of the Year.
National High School Quarterback of the Year
Brock's high school career culminated in a prestigious national award.
- National High School Quarterback of the Year: In 2024, the National Quarterback Club announced that Brock was the National High School Quarterback of the Year. This award was given during the 2020 National Quarterback Club Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
College Football Debut and Reserve Roles
Brock's college career began with a promising debut and continued with various reserve roles.
- College Football Debut: Made his college football debut against UAB, marking the beginning of his collegiate career.
- Reserve Roles: Often found himself in reserve roles during his time at Georgia, but remained committed to the team and continued to work towards improving his skills.
Transfer Portal Decision and Retirement Announcement
Brock's career took a significant turn with his decision to transfer and eventually retire.
- Transfer Portal Decision: On December 4, 2023, entered the transfer portal, signaling his decision to leave Georgia and seek new opportunities.
- Retirement Announcement: On December 29, 2024, announced his retirement from football, marking the end of an illustrious college football career filled with achievements and recognition.
Brock Vandagriff's Remarkable Journey
Brock Vandagriff's football career is nothing short of impressive. From his standout high school days at Prince Avenue Christian to his time at the University of Georgia and Kentucky, he has shown dedication and skill. His high school achievements, including being named Mr. Georgia and leading his team to a state title, set the stage for his college career. At Georgia, he contributed to back-to-back national championships, even if his playing time was limited. The transfer to Kentucky gave him a chance to shine, where he threw for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games. His leadership and performance earned him spots on the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch lists. Brock's decision to retire in 2024 marks the end of a notable chapter in college football, leaving a legacy of perseverance and excellence.
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