Sinkwich IV beyond proud to carry his family name back into Sanford

Frank Sinkwich IV can only begin to imagine what his great grandfather would have thought knowing that the family name will once again be representing the red and black inside of Sanford Stadium.

He has no doubt it would have brought a huge smile to his face.

The late Frank Sinkwich is one of the greatest legends in Bulldog football lore, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1942, and is one of just four Bulldogs, along with Herschel Walker, Charley Trippi and Theron Sapp, to have his jersey retired.

On Wednesday, Sinkwich’s dream became a reality when the former Athens Academy standout accepted an offer to become a preferred walk-on for the Bulldogs next fall.

“Growing up in Athens, born and raised, always going to Georgia games, it (getting the offer) was like a dream come true,” said Sinkwich, who recalled as a four-year-old dressing up for a play as a Georgia football player.

Bulldog offensive line coach Sam Pittman gave the news to Sinkwich who, at 5-foot-11 and 236 pounds, is expected to first get a look at fullback.

“It should be a little bit of pressure,” joked Sinkwich, referring to his famous great grandfather. “I already weigh like 50 more pounds than he ever did in college, and I’m not considered too big.”

But what a career his great-grandfather had.

Frank Sinkwich totaled 2,271 rushing yards, 2,331 passing yards and accounted for 60 touchdowns during his career with the Bulldogs.

“It’s always something to be proud of and it was always a goal of mine to go back and play for Georgia after having that in my family the whole time,” Sinkwich said of his great grandfather. “I’m the first Sinkwich on the football team since him. My uncle went on a visit (to Georgia), looked at it, but decided against it and my dad didn’t even think about it, so to have this opportunity is the best thing I ever wanted.”

Although he’s gone to Georgia games for as long as he can remember, Sinkwich said it wasn’t until the sixth grade when he finally started learning about his famous granddad - what he did and what he meant to the University and college football.

Now, he can tell you everything there is to know about the former Heisman winner.

“It’s just something I’m very proud of,” Sinkwich said. “I couldn’t be happier to be getting the opportunity I am.”