Norcross defensive end Lorenzo Carter, the state’s top-ranked recruit, committed to Georgia during a Signing Day ceremony in the school’s theatre.
Wearing an animal-print sport coat, black shirt and gold chain, Carter announced his decision and put on a Georgia hat in front of a live television audience on ESPNU. Carter, a 6-5, 235-pound defensive end, chose the Bulldogs over Florida State, Florida and LSU. He had 132 tackles, including 40 for losses during a standout senior season.
He was one of the few top players who held out till late afternoon to reveal his college choice. Carter was considered the top recruit in the state of Georgia.
Carter’s position coach at Norcross was former UGA player Marcus Jackson. Carter has a 42-inch vertical jump, starts at center for Norcross basketball team that won last year’s state championship, and was one of the top performers in the Under Armour All-America game.
Norcross teammate Myles Autry, 5-9, 175-pound versatile playmaker, committed to Georgia Tech shortly after Carter’s announcement. Autry had five hats in front of him. He paused before grabbing the Yellow Jackets hat.
He chose Georgia Tech over Florida State, Oregon, Ohio State and Florida, giving the Yellow Jackets their most high-profile recruit in years.
Autry’s senior season started slow, but finished strong. After offseason knee surgery, Autry missed the opener against national power Booker T. Washington of Miami, Fla., and played sparingly early. But he made big plays down the stretch and sparked a comeback in the state championship game with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, after the Blue Devils fell behind 14-0 to region rival North Gwinnett.
Autry is the younger brother of Georgia Tech wide receiver Anthony Autry.
Check back tonight at 7:15 for the year-early decision by Mitch Hyatt of North Gwinnett. Hyatt, an offensive tackle who is the early leader as top recruit in Georgia in the 2015 class, is expected to choose between Clemson and Ohio State. His uncle, Dan Benish, played for Clemson’s national championship team.
