Georgia Bulldogs: Top 5 Sophomores Entering 2015

Sep 20, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Lorenzo Carter (7) in action against the Troy Trojans during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Troy 66-0. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Carter came to Athens as the biggest in-state target of the 2014 High School Graduating Class.  Carter played in all 13 of Georgia’s games as a true freshman, recording 41 total tackles (18 solo, 23 assists), 7.0 tackles for a loss of yardage, and 4.5 sacks playing a rotational outside linebacker role.

It took about half of the 2014 season for Carter to get adjusted to the SEC’s speed and playing style, but I recognized his increasing value in the road victory in Little Rock against the Arkansas Razorbacks.  Carter would sometimes play up front in somewhat of a defensive end/LEO role to allow all three dynamic OLB pass rushers for Georgia to get on the field at the same time.

More from UGA Football

• Georgia Football: Past, Present and Future on Display in Win
• Georgia Football: Road Game Becomes a Home Game for Bulldogs
• Georgia Football: 2nd Half Dominance By Young Defense Brings Hope
• Georgia Football: Bulldogs Smartly Cruise Versus Vanderbilt
• Georgia Bulldogs 10 Days From Opening Game With Vanderbilt

The Georgia Bulldogs’ pass rushing trio of Lorenzo Carter, Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins sounds like a law firm.  At Carter, Floyd, and Jenkins, we strive to work together to bring down the opposing quarterback, one great pass rush at a time.

I see Lorenzo Carter’s versatility as an inside-out pass rusher integral in Jeremy Pruitt’s defensive schemes.  While I’m not certain that Carter is an every-down linebacker for Georgia at this point of Fall Camp, I know that when he does step on to the gridiron, opposing offensive linemen will have more than their hands full trying to protect their quarterback from three ferocious pass rushers coming at them from all angles.

As a true sophomore, I could see Lorenzo Carter improving his game to 60 tackles, 10 for a loss of yardage and 7.5 sacks.  Not bad considering that Floyd, Jenkins, and countless other members of the Dawgs’ defense will break into the opponent’s backfield to wreak havoc on their backs.

Next: The First True Piece of Pruitt's Defense