Lorenzo Carter takes a giant step to New York

To say Lorenzo Carter opened some eyes at the NFL Combine would be an understatement.

The former Bulldog wowed those in attendance with an eye-popping 4.45 in the 40-yard dash, an effort that no doubt ultimately helped the New York Giants to take Carter in the third round with the 66th pick of the NFL Draft.

Carter said recently he's ready to go.

“I feel like I’m an elite pass rusher,” Carter told NewYorkGiants.com. “But I have got to go out there and show it.

“I feel like I can fit into a lot of systems, especially being at Georgia, doing the things I did. I did some of everything. It wasn’t comfortable at first, it wasn’t what I really wanted to do, I wanted to pass rush. But being in that system, getting a chance to put my foot in the water, do a little bit of everything everywhere, I’m comfortable everywhere now. So, I’m comfortable in any defense. I’m just looking forward to getting there and getting a playbook.”

Last year Carter finished third on the Bulldogs with 61 tackles, second on the squad in quarterback hurries (16), and fourth in sacks (4.5).

He was the defensive recipient of the Charley Trippi Award, given to the most versatile player for his penchant for making big plays, including ones like his blocked field in the second overtime at the Rose Bowl, opening the door for the Bulldogs to win the game and advance to the national championship.

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur was happy Carter lasted as long as he did.

“Lorenzo can really run, he’s got length,” Shurmur said. “He’s a pass rusher, but he did a great job of setting the edge (against the run). He played his best football in his biggest games, and that’s really what showed up. And he’s a special teams player, so he’ll have an immediate impact there. But just a big, long guy that’s going to be an edge – you want a couple or three pressure-type players from the edge and he’ll compete for that spot for us.”

More to come.