Chris Conley

Well-known for his Star Wars-inspired student film that he wrote and directed, Conley again grabbed headlines after a standout performance at the 2015 NFL Combine. But scouts and NFL teams have been high on the Georgia pass catcher for a few years. He led the Bulldogs in receiving the last two seasons, using his natural speed to beat single coverage in man coverage and attack open areas vs. zone, although his routes and ballskills have room for refinement. He isn't quite as explosive after the catch, but Conley has the athletic traits for his size and length that NFL teams covet. A three-star receiver recruit out of high school, Conley received several offers from ACC and SEC programs, but he wanted to stay home and play for the Bulldogs. He played in 11 games as a true freshman and recorded 16 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Conley saw his playing time increase as a sophomore in 2012, starting three games and finishing with 20 receptions for 342 yards and six touchdowns. He became a full-time starter in 2013 as a junior (nine starts), leading the team with 45 catches for 651 yards and four scores. Conley started 11 games as a senior in 2014 and finished with a career-best 657 yards on 36 catches, leading the team with eight touchdown grabs. He accepted an invitation to the 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

has a fifth gear to shift into overdrive and zoom past defenders. zone buster who continues to work and get open, sitting down in open zones. tracks very well, making natural adjustments and the occasional acrobatic grab. good leaping ability to elevate and attack with long arms (33 3/4 inches).

Eliminates pursuit angles as a ballcarrier. Averaged 18.2 yards per catch as a senior (third-best in the SEC), leading Georgia in receiving yards the last two seasons with two different quarterbacks. Natural leadership traits with the competitive hustle that stands out - elected as the SEC representative to serve a two-year term on the NCAA SAAC Committee.

strengths

Lightning quickness with effortless acceleration, hitting top speed in a blink. Easy release off the line of scrimmage with sudden feet to beat jam and get vertical. At his best with one-cut routes (slants, outs, digs, etc.), using his strong plant foot to explode downfield.

doesn't consistently flash the same explosive attributes after the catch - not overly shifty in space. not a tackle breaker and he's usually done once defenders make initial contact. needs to tweak his blocking technique to better sustain.

Doesn't have any experience as a return man on special teams. Minor durability concerns, missing two games as a junior (Oct. 2013) with an ankle injury and was slowed at the start of his senior season due to a subluxation of his right shoulder (Aug. 2014).

lean-limbed and lacks ideal bulk and core strength for the position. needs to calm himself in his breaks and tends to get out of control at his stem. too upright in his routes and doesn't consistently sink-and-shake to fool defenders and create separation. too easily slowed by defenders in his patterns and can be out-muscled at the top of routes.

Bad habit of unnecessarily jumping at the catch point. Usually strong hands, but will fight the ball at times and lose focus, often too concerned with what's going on around him. Tentative over the middle.

high character individual with notable intelligence and ambitions outside of football - the type who can do anything if he sets his mind to it.

WEAKNESSES

North Paulding, coached by Heath Webb

SuperPrep All-Dixie team

PrepStar All-Southeast Region team

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11, #11 player in Georgia and Class AAAA All-State first-team offense

Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State first-team offense

Scout.com four-star recruit, #220 player and #34 WR in the country, #18 player in Georgia

Rivals.com three-star recruit, #45 WR, #29 player in Georgia

ESPN.com four-star recruit, #25 WR

MaxPreps.com #34 WR

As a senior, caught 61 passes for 1,021 yards and 15 touchdowns and added six kick-off returns for 150 yards and two punt returns for 10 yards

Also totaled 45 tackles as a safety

as a junior caught all 81 passes for 848 yards and six touchdowns

Graduated high school in December and enrolled early at Georgia.

CHRIS CONLEY

Born Oct. 25, 1992

Major: Journalism.