Based on staff reports
Add another professional athlete to the list of Apopka residents!
Jalen Carter, a standout defensive lineman from Apopka High School and the University of Georgia, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the ninth pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Eagles are coming off a 14-3 season and a trip to Super Bowl LVII, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35.
“It’s time to fly! Carter said on his Twitter account. “I can’t wait to get to Philly and get to work #FlyEaglesFly.”
According to NFL.com:
“Carter was one of the nation’s top recruits after standing out at Apopka High School. He also played basketball and placed second in the heavyweight division of the state weightlifting competition with a bench press of 395 pounds.
That strength was on display early in his career with the University of Georgia Bulldogs, as he started twice in 10 games as a true freshman during the 2020 season (14 tackles, three for loss, one sack blocked). Carter played alongside 2022 first-round picks Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt on the national champions’ defensive line in 2021. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in the fall (37 tackles, 8.5 for loss with three sacks, two blocked kicks). , two starters in 15 games). Carter led a Bulldogs defense that allowed the fewest yards per game (77.1) in 2022, earning first-team Associated Press All-American and all-conference honors despite missing time during his career for Georgia title with knee and ankle injuries (32 tackles, seven). for loss with three sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles in 13 games, nine starts).
Pete Prisco at cbssports.com was even more impressed.
“The Eagles are moving up a spot and giving up little to get a guy who I think is the best player in this draft. Yes, he has some issues off the field, but this is a great spot for him. Howie Roseman wins again.” .
There isn’t much that Jalen Carter hasn’t accomplished on the football field. After graduating, Carter accepted a scholarship to the University of Georgia and helped lead the Bulldogs to two consecutive national championships, including a 65-7 rout of Texas Christian University.
But now, Carter is ready for his next challenge: the National Football League.
“These past three years have been exciting,” Carter posted on his Twitter account in January. “I am so thankful to God for the talent and ability he has given me. Without him, I am nothing. I cannot thank Coach Smart and his staff enough for their commitment to helping me become the best version of myself on and off the field. I also want to thank my position coach, Tray Scott. My teammates past and present have built bonds that will last a lifetime, and what we have accomplished together will last for always. I’d also like to thank the fans and the entire UGA Community. You make the field between the hedges special.”
After thanking the University of Georgia, Carter released more information about his goal to play football on Sundays.
“It has been my dream since childhood to play in the NFL; without my mother, this would not be possible. I am beyond blessed to have her in my corner. With all that being said, I would like to announce that I am declaring for the Draft of the NFL. I’m excited for the next chapter though. I’LL ALWAYS BE A DAWG!”
As a senior at Apopka, Carter had 12 sacks to go along with 64 tackles and one touchdown.
At Georgia, Carter had 83 tackles and six sacks in three seasons. In Monday night’s national championship game, Carter had two tackles.
Keywords
Jalen Carter,
Apopka Blue Darts,
Georgia Bulldogs,
National Football League,
nfl draft,
Philadelphia Eagles
