McKenzie concedes academics were reason for his early departure

Not long after Isaiah McKenzie announced he was leaving Georgia a year early for the NFL, rumors began to circulate that academics were one of the reasons why.

Following Wednesday’s Pro Day at Georgia, the Miami native conceded that was indeed the case.

“I would have had to sit out the spring for academics,” McKenzie said. “I would have had to have gone through the appeal for a situation that happened at school and that would have taken me out for the spring. I just told myself I’m not going to sit out and I was just going to leave.”

McKenzie – who led Georgia last year in receiving with 44 catches for 633 yards and seven touchdowns – would not reveal exactly what the academic issue was.

“I can’t say right now, just academics,” said McKenzie, who said NFL coaches and scouts have asked him extensively the reasons behind his leaving early.

“They ask me all the time about it and I tell them, whatever they think, that’s what they think,” he continued. “Honesty is the best policy. I told them everything they need to know.”

After competing at the NFL Combine, McKenzie only took part in the one drill during Wednesday’s Pro Day – the shuttle run.

“(Teams) ask me all the time if I can play Z or Y. I’ve played a little Z, but mostly it’s been the slot and that’s where they like me at,” said McKenzie. “They (teams) like me on special teams, but slot comes with it.”

The Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are among the teams McKenzie said have scheduled visits with him in the near future. The Atlanta Falcons have shown interest as well.

“If I can get drafted, that would be icing on the cake,” he said. “If not, I’ll work as hard as I can and do the best that I can to earn a spot.”