Georgia football: Lorenzo Carter gets a chance with the Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have had a reputation for not drafting or signing former Georgia football players.
They passed on drafting Todd Gurley in 2015 to take Clemson’s Vic Beasley, passed on both Nick Chubb and Sony Michel in the 2018 Draft, and did not sign former Bulldogs Justin Houston or Geno Atkins during last year’s free agency period.
Today, however, they will bring a Bulldog legend back home.
Former Georgia football star Lorenzo Carter gets his shot with the Atlanta Falcons.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport announced that the Falcons agreed to a one-year deal with former Georgia linebacker Lorenzo Carter.
#Giants pass-rusher Lorenzo Carter is expected to sign a 1-year deal with the #Falcons, source said. Carter had five sacks in his last four games, showing promise that ATL hopes to capitalize on.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2022
Carter has spent all four years of his NFL career with the New York Giants, who drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The 2021 season was his best statistically, as he racked up 50 total tackles, five sacks, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The Norcross, Ga. native, came to Georgia in 2014 after a stellar high school football career. He was a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Georgia. That class included future stars like Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson.
He made an immediate impact in his freshman year. Playing alongside guys like Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins, Carter racked up four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 41 total tackles in ten games, showing Dawg nation what kind of player he could be.
Rather than going pro after his junior year, Carter announced he would return for his senior year in 2017. This move paid off in a big way for himself and others on that team. Carter became one of the leaders on a defense that ranked No. 6 in total defense and points allowed per game.
His biggest play that season came in the Rose Bowl, when he blocked an Oklahoma field goal in double overtime to keep Georgia in the game. Michel would score the game-winning touchdown on the next series.
Lorenzo Carter's blocked field goal leads to Sony Michel's TD and the Dawgs win!!! pic.twitter.com/ok3bFFATei
— DawgNation (@DawgNation) January 2, 2018
Georgia finished that season 13-2, winning their first SEC Championship since 2005 and appearing in their first National Championship game since the early 80s.
Carter should fit in nicely with the Falcons in 2022. They have had a massive need for pass rushers, and Carter is an excellent option for them.
His speed off the edge allows him to get to the quarterback quickly, and he has shown he is not afraid to force a fumble.
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Overall, this should be an exceptional signing for Atlanta, and it should generate excitement from fans as they get to see a local Georgia product suit up in red and black once again.