ATHENS — Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship made his final appearance in Sanford Stadium a historic one on Saturday night.
Blankenship booted four field goals in the Bulldogs’ 19-13 win over Texas A&M, becoming Georgia’s all-time leading scorer in the process.
Blankenship’s 13 points gave him 418 in his career, tops in UGA history and second in SEC history only to former Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson (480 points).
“I want to congratulate Rodrigo, that’s a tremendous honor,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “We certainly have helped him with it. We’ve taken a lot of field goals.”
Smart continued to praise Blankenship after his comment on taking field goals, which was said only half in jest, it appeared.
“What Rodrigo has done, and overcome, is just a story for the ages,” Smart said. “To be a walk-on, to not get a scholarship, to continue to work, get a scholarship, and continue to grind, and be as consistent as he has been in some of the toughest conditions this year that could ask a kicker to kick in.
“He’s just been tremendous. And he’s really become a weapon for us. Thank goodness. He’s really become a weapon for us. He’s done a great job.”
Blankenship was 4-for-4 against the Aggies, making field goals of 41, 49, 37 and 31 yards.
That makes Blankenship 23 of 26 on his field goals this season, including 7 of 9 beyond 40 yards.
Blair Walsh, who previously held the Georgia scoring record with 412 points from 2008-11, was in attendance at the game.
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