Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and speeding in connection with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a member of the recruiting staff.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has issued an arrest warrant, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, that alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by recruit Chandler LeCroy, 24, who led the Jan. 15 wreck. The crash happened just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony, killing LeCroy and Willock.
According to the arrest warrant, the Athens police investigation found that LeCroy and Carter were operating their vehicles “in a manner consistent with racing” after leaving downtown Athens around 2:30 a.m. morning
The warrant says evidence shows the vehicles changed lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes, overtook other motorists and drove at high speeds “in an apparent attempt to pass each other each other.”
Police determined that LeCroy’s Expedition was traveling at about 104 mph (167 km/h) shortly before the crash. The warrant says LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.197 at the time of the crash. The legal limit in Georgia is .08.
Carter confirmed that two felony warrants were issued against him Wednesday morning. However, he said there was “inaccurate information” in the reports of what happened the night of Willock and the death of the Georgia recruiting staff member.
“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to ensure that the full and accurate truth is presented,” Carter said in a statement. “I have no doubt that when all the facts are known, I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart released a statement regarding the report and charges:
Carter is the No. 2 player in FOX Sports’ 2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings.
Associated Press report
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