For linebacker Lorenzo Carter, there's no place like Dome

Georgia linebacker Lorenzo Carter can’t help but get a little sentimental when it comes to playing in the Georgia Dome.

As a standout at Norcross High, Carter helped the Blue Devils to back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013, with both victories taking place at the site of Saturday’s season-opener between the Bulldogs and North Carolina (5:30 p.m., ESPN).

“It’s going to be great. I keep my state championship wristband with me all the time,” Carter said. “I just think about the great times I had at the Georgia Dome and want to keep it going.”

Carter actually got to relive the past a little bit on Saturday as he and the rest of the Bulldogs held a practice at the Georgia Dome, an appetizer if you will for what takes place next week.

“Everybody is getting those butterflies in their stomach. Game week is upon us,” Carter said. “It’s hard to say you’re not excited, but you have to control it. It’s the first game week, you get to play somebody other than your teammates.”For Carter, it’s also an opportunity to wipe the memories of a disappointing sophomore year from the recesses of his mind.

As a freshman, Carter seemed destined for greatness when he made 41 tackles, including 4.5 sacks for losses of 41 yards. But what happened next, well, let’s just say Carter learned what it’s like to be humbled.

Playing behind Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins, Carter’s playing time was few and far between. Although he played in all 13 games, the impact many thought he would make never happened, and as a result he finished with just 19 tackles and no sacks.

Carter doesn’t particularly care to look back or discuss the reasons why.

“I don’t know … I’ve been working,” Carter said. “All I’m thinking about is Sept. 3.”

Earlier this month, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker praised Carter for the work ethic and leadership he’s shown.

“I tell you what, Lorenzo, obviously is a tremendous athlete,” Tucker said. “He responds well to coaching. I’ve been impressed with him. He runs to the ball and gives great effort. He works at it every single day and is a team guy. I see that he’s a guy who is going to be able to provide leadership to our group.”

Carter readily admits lessons have been learned.

“It’s all a process,” he said. “The game is not always going to go like you want it to go. You’re not going to make all the plays, but you’ve got to trust the coaches and trust the process.”

That’s not all.

“Every player has a role. Everybody is not going to be a superstar,” Carter said. “You’ve just got to understand your role and do whatever you can to help your team.”

Head coach Kirby Smart has certainly helped in that regard.

“He stays on us, all the outside linebackers. Coach Smart is everywhere. That man is all over the place,” Carter said. “If you’re not doing something right he’ll let you know and let you know what you need to do to fix it.”,

Carter has apparently made the necessary adjustments.

“Definitely. My body has matured. I’ve grown as a player, I’ve grown on and off the field,” Carter said. “There’s a lot of things that’s gone into it and I feel it’s a great time to get ready to play some football.”