He could have reacted with a nod and a knowing smile.
Malachi Carter instead reacted with a shrug and a look of puzzlement.
“I had no idea about it,” the fifth-year senior said.
The topic was Carter’s longevity – and a streak unknown even to Carter himself. The 6-3, 192-pound wide receiver has played in all 47 games of his Georgia Tech career dating back to 2018, the last 24 as a starter. By season’s end he could smash the school record for games played, currently shared by four players at 54.
Most career games played
Jamal Golden (’11-15): 54
Jemea Thomas (’09, ’11-13): 54
T.J. Barnes (’09-12): 54
Rod Sweeting (’09-12): 54
Getting an additional year of eligibility due to Covid-19 will certainly help in that pursuit. But until last week, the Lawrenceville, Ga., native had no idea he was approaching a record. Durability in football should never be taken for granted, yet when asked about his streak, Carter sounded more Iron-meh than Ironman.
“It’s definitely taking care of my body every chance I can get. And the man upstairs, definitely,” he said of the secrets to his good health.
Durability has its perks, though: no Georgia Tech wide receiver has finished with 100 career receptions since the late Demaryius Thomas (113, 2006-09). After tying for the team lead with 37 receptions last year, Carter sits at 76 entering the season.
“To be in line with somebody as important and special to this Institute as Demaryius Thomas, that’s a blessing in itself also,” Carter said.
He’ll resume his chase of those milestones Monday when Georgia Tech opens its season against No. 4 Clemson at Mercedes Benz Stadium (8 p.m. ET, Georgia Tech Sports Network from Legends Sports). And with it, the career of one of the steady, understated cogs of the Georgia Tech offense will continue as well.
Malachi Carter is just eight games shy of becoming Georgia Tech’s all-time leader in games played.
“Just the multiplicity of what he can do, the skill set – he’s made a lot of really big plays for us over his career,” said head coach Geoff Collins.
Carter has earned a reputation for reliability with his intangibles, too.
“He’s always positive. He builds a relationship with each person on the team. He’s just always that dude that’s going to lift you up when you’re down. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” said quarterback Jeff Sims.
His dependability could be even more critical as Georgia Tech’s receiving corps grows into…
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