Jalen Carter has gotten off to a strong start this season for the Georgia Bulldogs.
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Connor Riley is a young guy. So I am hopeful that his knowledge of football will grow as he continues to learn about the sport he "covers". Only in Connor's world is Jalen Carter a "backup". UGA only plays 3 down lineman (typically). UGA has depth thanks to CKS's recruiting success and 85 scholarships. One of the main reasons CKS recruits so well is the loyalty he shows to his upperclassmen that return. CKS rewards their loyalty to team and school by showcasing the upperclassmen. Jalen Carter knows this. He is okay with this because he knows that UGA substitutes liberally and that he will play as much as anyone. He supports the team and his brothers. He knows that he will get his chance to be showcased next year after another yr of maturation. Is JC 1 of the top 3 DL on UGA? Probably. Maybe if Connor examined play counts he might understand the concept of "backup" better? Now if UGA can get Travon Walker to make a similar leap in effectiveness this team could be unbeatable.
At UGA, the concept of "backups" really doesn't exist. Conner is right in that JC doesn't "start", and that technically, based on football's historic conventions of hierarchy about players, does make him a "backup". But in UGA's football organization, backups probably don't exist. Every player who participates ( in any way ) in practice is important to the success of the team. Even the "lowly" scout team ( which is not so lowly ), is important. Two easy examples: JT Daniels asking to be on scout team to be able to improve while rehabbing his injury. Or, the acknowledged contributions of Stetson Bennet on the scout team in the '17 season. Do we win the game against Oklahoma and reach the national championship game without his effective simulation of Baker Mayfield? In Kirby's system, every player, from "starters" to walk-ons is expected to give maximum effort in practice. That effort is what makes the team better. So every player is a significant contributor to any wins that the team has. No one at UGA just "sits on the bench"!
Not backups...these players are in the ..."rotation." The way Carter easily pushed off his blocker and pancaked that Vandy RB was amazing! I really like Carter.
One of THE best DL regardless of role. Absolute playmaker.
