A Rising Star in Football: Preston Carey’s Journey to the University of Georgia
Preston Carey, a towering figure in the world of high school football, has been passionate about the sport since he put on his first helmet at just four years old. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds, this dynamic defensive lineman is making headlines after recently committing to play for the University of Georgia. The announcement came during a celebration at the magnificent Oheka Castle, attended by hundreds of his dedicated supporters.
Carey revealed that he had received a full scholarship offer from Georgia back when he was in eighth grade and had several other offers in hand at that time. “I always pushed myself at college camps, and I felt I could hold my own against older players,” he said. Georgia’s unwavering belief in him from the start has been a motivator as he embarks on this next chapter. Ultimately, he chose UGA over offers from Florida, Auburn, and Rutgers.
His favorite aspect of football? “The aggression,” he says, noting how much he enjoys overpowering opponents. His mentality is all about tackling every challenge in order to ascend to the next level.
Carey started his high school career at St. Anthony’s High School, a renowned institution where he starred on the varsity team as a freshman. He played a crucial role in leading the Friars to a hard-fought state title victory over St. Francis High School in Buffalo in 2022. Carey credits the rigorous environment of St. Anthony’s, a South Huntington Catholic academy, for instilling a strong foundation of discipline. The school maintains high academic standards, with a passing grade set at 75, pushing students to stay focused.
“It definitely builds character,” he remarked about the challenging atmosphere at his school. After a successful stint there, Carey sought to further enhance his skills by transferring to IMG Academy in Florida, a place known for developing NFL talent. He mentioned that he had no reservations about moving, stating, “It was easy for me to pack my bags if it meant helping my career.”
At IMG, Carey flourished, attracting a growing following on social media with his impressive gameplay. As he prepares for his final season at IMG, he looks forward to redshirting at Georgia, anticipating the coming playoff season.
Throughout the recruiting process, Carey has kept a close connection with Georgia’s defensive line coach, Tray Scott. He appreciates Scott’s straightforward guidance on his strengths and areas for improvement, which are critical for reaching the next level.
During the summer, you can find Carey waking up early to train at Peak Training System in Deer Park, honing his craft under the instruction of Golden Ukonu, a former undrafted free agent. Carey also engages in MMA and boxing training, recognizing the boxing-like elements of being a defensive lineman, which require agility and hand-eye coordination.
As he prepares mentally for the game and his future, Carey is also excited about the growing opportunities in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). He sees it as a chance to support his family, who have been his unwavering supporters throughout his journey.
Additionally, the idea of being featured in the upcoming video game “NCAA Football 27” brings him joy. “It’s going to be incredible,” he said, emphasizing his gratitude for the opportunities before him.
Looking ahead, Carey aspires to make a name for himself in the SEC and dreams of one day hearing his name called during the NFL draft. “It’s a goal, not a dream,” he concludes, showcasing his dedication and commitment to working hard every single day to turn that goal into reality.
