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Friday, December 13, 2002
Carter moving on
Associated Press
ATLANTA -- Despite a disappointing junior season, Georgia
quarterback Quincy Carter announced Tuesday he will give up his
final year with the Bulldogs to enter the NFL draft.
|  | | Quincy Carter is saying goodbye to Georgia and hello to the NFL. |
Carter made his decision Monday night after meeting with new
coach Mark Richt.
"It was a difficult decision to make," Carter said in a
statement released by the school. "There are so many factors to
weigh and you cannot predict what the future will hold either by
staying or going. However, after seeking a lot of advice and
meeting with my family, I've decided to continue my career in the
NFL."
Carter considered leaving Georgia after his sophomore season,
but he returned with hopes of leading the Bulldogs to their first
Southeastern Conference championship since 1982.
Instead, he missed five games with shoulder and thumb injuries
while Georgia struggled to an 8-4 mark that led to the firing of
coach Jim Donnan, a strong Carter supporter.
When he was on the field, Carter completed less than 50 percent
of his passes (91-of-183) for 1,250 yards, with only six touchdowns
and 10 interceptions.
"I've learned so much from my college experience, not only
about football, but about life," Carter said. "I wish coach Richt
and the team the very best and I'm confident they'll be
successful."
Richt, who is still assembling his Georgia staff, had hoped to
persuade Carter to stay for another year.
"Certainly, I want to wish Quincy the best as he pursues his
goals in the NFL," Richt said in a statement. "I know I speak for
all those associated with Georgia in thanking him for his many
contributions to our university, our community and our football
program."
Carter may have been better off leaving Georgia a year ago, when
he was coming off a strong sophomore season.
He was named to the All-SEC second team after completing almost
58 percent of his attempts for 2,713 yards - setting a school
record for a sophomore - and 17 touchdowns. He also had a streak of
170 consecutive passes without an interception, third-longest in
SEC history.
Carter initially signed with Georgia Tech after starring at
Southwest DeKalb High School, only to give up football for two
years while he pursued a career in baseball with the Chicago Cubs
organization.
He struggled as a hitter and never advanced past the Class A
level, prompting his return to football in 1998.
Georgia Tech already had an established quarterback in Joe
Hamilton, so Carter decided to play for the Bulldogs, who needed
someone to replace Mike Bobo. The move prompted bitter feelings
between the state rivals.
Carter earned the starting job right away, passing for 2,484
yards and 12 touchdowns as a 21-year-old freshman. He guided the
Bulldogs to a 9-3 record, including a come-from-behind victory over
Virginia in the Peach Bowl.
Georgia went 8-4 in each of Carter's final two seasons, well
below expectations. He was criticized for failing to play well
against the school's biggest rivals, going 0-3 against Florida, 0-2
against Georgia Tech and 1-2 against Tennessee.
This past season, Carter's streak of 30 consecutive starts ended
because of a bruised rotator cuff. He returned to play in a loss to
Florida, only to sprain a ligament in the thumb of his throwing
hand.
Carter missed Georgia's final three regular-season games as well
as an Oahu Bowl victory over Virginia. Former walk-on Cory Phillips
took over as the starter and will be one of the contenders for the
job in the spring.
Georgia also has freshman David Green, a highly regarded
prospect who was redshirted this season. Donnan considered him the
quarterback of the future.
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