2017 Player Projection: Lorenzo Carter
Senior Lorenzo Carter has enjoyed what for the most part has been a solid career for Georgia, starting 16 games over his career, with 9.5 career sacks.
But even the Norcross native will tell you he hasn’t quite had that breakout year that many predicted him to have.
He’s got one more chance this fall.
BIO
SIZE: 6-6, 250
CLASS/ELIGIBILITY: Senior
HOMETOWN: Norcross.
HIGH SCHOOL: Norcross High
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PREP RANKINGS
Rivals: 4-Star, No. 3 weakside defensive end
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2016 RECAP
Carter appeared in all 13 games for Georgia, making nine starts, finishing with 44 tackles and tying for the team lead with five quarterback sacks.
At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Carter was able to use his quickness to his advantage, ranking second on the team in quarterback pressures with 13.
Despite the numbers, Carter occasionally struggled wrapping up opposing QBs, as evidenced by some key misses against former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly last fall.
Carter also received a lot of flack from fans for failing to knock down Josh Dobbs' game-winning Hail-Mary against Tennessee, a play that haunted him the rest of the year.
2017 EXPECTATIONS
Although one can certainly make the case that Carter has yet to have the type of year that many predicted for him when he first signed with UGA, head coach Kirby Smart loves him.
Carter has finally got his weight to a level where coaches feel he can become more effective against the run, an aspect of his game the senior has struggled with in the past.
There’s no doubting Carter’s athleticism.
He’s got an elite first-step, and with added strength, should be able to eclipse his five-sack performance from a season ago, and team with fellow outside backer Davin Bellamy to give the Bulldogs one of the better outside linebacker combos in the SEC.
Carter’s work ethic may have been questioned in the past, but no longer. His decision to come back instead of leaving early for the NFL displayed good sense and maturity.
Effort and attitude is no longer an issue for Carter, either.
He plays fast, but still needs to work to make sure his tackling fundamentals are where they need to be.
Other improvements he needs to make include becoming more physical at the point of attack, but you can’t teach athleticism and Carter has plenty of that to spare.
If he can put it all together, watch out.
A GOOD SEASON FOR CARTER WILL BE…
...one where he finally becomes consistent enough to be that three-down performer most predicted he would be. Improving his strength and tackling technique will go a long way toward him doing exactly that.
A good season for Carter will be one where he eclipses his five-sack total from a season ago, becomes more physical at the point of attack and proves to Bulldog defensive coaches that he needs to stay on the field, no matter the situation.
The guess here is he will.
