Georgia football NFL draft prospects waste no time going public with decisions
LOS ANGELES — Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo, two major cogs for Georgia football's defense this season in winning a second straight national title, didn't drag out their intentions for 2023 after Monday's 65-7 takedown of TCU.
Less than three hours after the game ended, Carter posted on his Twitter account he's declaring for the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-3, 300 pound junior from Apopka, Fla., is viewed as a top five overall pick by many.
He had two tackles in his final game with the Bulldogs, giving him 32 in 13 games with 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He also had 3 sacks last season and was part of a defensive front Monday that limited TCU to a touchdown, had five sacks and 36 yards rushing.
#88out pic.twitter.com/71Buao1Z7O
— Jalen Carter (@breadmanjalen) January 10, 2023
"My dream since childhood has been to play in the NFL, and without my mother this wouldn't be possible" Carter wrote in his post. "I am beyond blessed to have her in my corner."
Ringo said in the locker room after the game that he "most likely," will declare for the draft.
Asked if he thought his game was ready for the next level, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Ringo said
"Yes, sir, yes sir, 100 percent," Ringo said.
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Ringo had 42 tackles this season with 2 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. The two-year starter who had the pick six to seal the national championship against Alabama last year, is also a first-round projected player. That's with Ringo rated as the fourth best starter this season in the secondary when it comes to pass coverage entering Monday, according to Pro Football Focus.
Defensive back Tykee Smith, a West Virginia transfer, said he will talk to his family before making a decision whether to declare.
Offensive tackle Broderick Jones is another first-round candidate
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Jan. 16.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football:Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo on NFL draft decisions
