# George Pickens **George Malik Pickens Jr.** (born March 4, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the **Pittsburgh Steelers** of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his physical style of play and acrobatic catching ability, he has established himself as a premier deep threat in the league. ### Early Life and High School Pickens attended **Hoover High School** in Hoover, Alabama. During his senior year, he recorded 69 receptions for 1,368 yards and 16 touchdowns. A highly touted recruit, he was rated as a five-star prospect and originally committed to Auburn University before flipping his commitment to the University of Georgia. ### Collegiate Career Pickens played college football for the **Georgia Bulldogs** from 2019 to 2021. * **Freshman Season (2019):** Led the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (727), and touchdowns (8). He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. * **Sophomore Season (2020):** Recorded 36 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns in a shortened season. * **Junior Season (2021):** After suffering an ACL injury during spring practice, Pickens made a late-season return. He played a key role in the postseason, helping the Bulldogs secure the **2022 College Football Playoff National Championship**. ### Professional Career Pickens was selected by the **Pittsburgh Steelers** in the second round (52nd overall) of the **2022 NFL Draft**. * **2022:** In his rookie season, he recorded 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. * **2023:** Pickens achieved his first 1,000-yard season, finishing with 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the NFL in yards per reception (18.1). ### Career Highlights and Awards * College Football Playoff National Champion (2021) * SEC All-Freshman Team (2019) * PFWA All-Rookie Team (2022) * NFL leader in Yards Per Reception (2023)