Why does Jalen Carter wear 88?

Jalen Carter is a rising star in college football as a defensive lineman for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Born on September 27, 2001, in Apopka, Florida, Carter played football at Apopka High School, where he made a name for himself as one of the best defensive players in the state. Carter was a four-star recruit and ranked the No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports, earning him offers from numerous college football programs.

In 2019, Carter was a key member of the Apopka Blue Darters defense, which advanced to the Florida Class 8A regional finals. As a senior, Carter recorded 68 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks, earning him the title of the 2019 All-Central Florida Defensive Player of the Year.

After his impressive high school career, Carter committed to the University of Georgia and joined the Bulldogs in 2020. In his first season, he played in all 10 games and recorded 14 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Carter's performance earned him the title of Freshman All-American by numerous publications, and he was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.

Also Read: Jalen Carter High School

Why does Jalen Carter wear 88?

The 6'3, 305-pound player has already made a name for himself on the field, but fans are also curious about the story behind his jersey number, 88.

Carter first wore 88 in high school, where he played both offensive and defensive line for the Apopka High School Blue Darters in Florida. According to Carter, he chose the number because it was one of the only numbers left when he joined the team. However, the number took on a special significance for him when he began wearing it for defensive plays.

In an interview with DawgNation, Carter explained that he started to see himself as a "double threat" on defense, capable of playing both defensive tackle and defensive end. The number 88, traditionally associated with wide receivers, took on a new meaning for him. He began to see it as a symbol of his versatility and his ability to disrupt the opposing team's offense.

Off the field, Carter is known for his work ethic and his commitment to his teammates. He has said that he sees his role as a leader on the team, both by setting a good example in practice and by being available to help his teammates whenever they need him.