The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Carson Beck returning to Georgia

Quarterbac­k considered NFL draft, but now plans to be back with Bulldogs for next season.

- By Chip Towers chip.towers@ajc.com

One day after Carson Beck confirmed he will play in the Orange Bowl, the quarterbac­k announced that he will play for Georgia next season.

Beck made the announceme­nt on social media Monday. In a post shared by Georgia football, Beck wrote: “My friends and family have helped put me in a situation to have options for my future. However, the NFL can wait one more year. I am returning to UGA for my senior season. We need everyone’s support in Miami to close this season out the right way!”

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Beck has two years of college eligibilit­y remaining. After throwing for 3,973 yards and 25 touchdowns and leading the Bulldogs to a 12-1 season, Beck was considered a first- or second-day NFL draft prospect.

Beck was at Academy Sports on Sunday to meet youth from the local Boys and Girls Club and accompany them on a Christmas shopping spree as part of a promotion the retailer has been doing across the state.

“As far as a (pro) decision goes, I’m not sure yet,” Beck said Sunday. “I’m just actively thinking. But right now, I’m focused on trying to beat Florida State.”

Asked when he aimed to make a decision, Beck said, “I don’t know. There’s not really a timeline.”

Actually, there was a timeline.

Underclass­men have until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft. Beck made a decision quickly.

It was likely Beck would return to Georgia. His backup, thirdyear sophomore Brock Vandergrif­f, entered the NCAA’S transfer portal on the first day it was open (Dec. 4) and since has enrolled at Kentucky. Likewise, longtime 5-star commitment Dylan Raiola did not report with the rest of the Bulldogs’ early enrollees Saturday and was in Nebraska on an official visit with the Cornhusker­s.

 ?? HYOSUB SHIN/ HYOSUB.SHIN@ AJC.COM ?? Carson Beck celebrates a touchdown against Alabama on a 1-yard run during the SEC Championsh­ip game Dec. 2 at Mercedes-benz Stadium. Beck threw for 3,973 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading UGA to a 12-1 season.
HYOSUB SHIN/ HYOSUB.SHIN@ AJC.COM Carson Beck celebrates a touchdown against Alabama on a 1-yard run during the SEC Championsh­ip game Dec. 2 at Mercedes-benz Stadium. Beck threw for 3,973 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading UGA to a 12-1 season.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States