LOS ANGELES — Two of Georgia’s key football team members will head to the NFL, as defensive tackle Jalen Carter and defensive back Kelee Ringo have both made it known that their time in Georgia is over.
Carter released a statement confirming the news.
Ringo has been questioned at one point this season, but he had interceptions in wins over Tennessee and Kentucky. He also held TCU star Quinten Johnston to a reception for three yards on Monday.
Ringo and Carter were both substituted during the match, earning a round of applause from the stands and a special moment from Kirby Smart.
It even moved the Georgia coach.
I held on tonight for the most part, but that moment with the timeouts, seeing Stetson and those defensive players — you don’t see what they’re sacrificing,” Smart said. “And it means a ton to me when they sacrifice themselves like that for our university.”
Georgia had five players chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft last year and Carter and Ringo are expected to do so this year. The Georgia defense will also see safety Chris Smith and outside linebackers Nolan Smith and Robert Beal depart.
Outside linebacker MJ Sherman also seemed to indicate his time at Georgia was up.