Stetson Bennett details going up against Jalen Carter in practice: He has that look in his eye

The Georgia Bulldogs have a fresh lineup of defenders populating the roster following a monster haul that left in the draft this offseason. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is among few starting returners on the team, along with quarterback Stetson Bennett.

This week, Bennett shared what it’s been like this fall camp going up against Carter who is just a season away from draft eligibility.

“I think Jalen’s one of those dudes, he is a quiet guy. He’s not rah-rah or anything but you know, he’s got that look in his eye,” Bennett said. “I wouldn’t say more, because I feel like Jalen’s always been that guy that you know, whenever the pads come on, you know it’s time to go.”

“I’d say he’s stepped up in the role that maybe JD and Devonte were in last year, more of a leadership role,” Bennett continued. “As far as going out and executing every day, he’s always done that.”

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Carter posted 37 total tackles as a sophomore last season with three sacks. His 8.5 tackles for loss were third on the team in 2021. For 2022, Carter made the AP’s Preseason All-American list.

Coming out of high school, the defensive tackle was the No. 14 overall prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Consensus. He was also the No.2-ranked recruit in Florida and No. 4 amongst interior defensive linemen.

Kirby Smart on Carter: ‘He’s practicing with more consistency

With eight players from the Bulldog’s historic 2021 defense selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Carter is one of the few returners in Athens. Kirby Smart shared that Carter is currently the most mature version of himself and is practicing like it too.

“He’s been the most mature he has ever been,” Smart said. “His practice habits have actually improved this year. He’s practicing with more consistency and he has to continue to do that.”

Carter is the No. 6 player and No. 1 DL in college football according to On3’s College Rating. With Travon Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt all gone in the first round of the NFL Draft, Carter is all that remains from the championship-winning defensive line.

He won’t be far behind, though, as he has a high projection for the 2023 NFL Draft already. Smart went on to say Carter hasn’t let the outside hype affect his work each day.

“I think that he knows that people’s eyes are on him in terms of other players. He knows he has to be a leader for our defense. I’m very proud of what he has done,” Smart said. “Most practices he has given us a full day’s work and competes not like a guy who’s been there and done it but like he’s hungry. That’s what we challenged him to do. He’s just got to do that every day, day in and day out and then maybe affect somebody else and bring them with him.”

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this report.