Georgia football CB Kamari Lassiter to enter 2024 NFL draft

kamari lassiter to play in orange bowl

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Kamari Lassiter has confirmed his decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft via social media.

He becomes the second Bulldog to declare for the draft, following safety Javon Bullard’s announcement on Sunday.

Lassiter started for two years as a cornerback for the Bulldogs, partnering with CB Kelee Ringo on Georgia’s 2022 National Championship team. He has since emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the NCAA Southeastern Conference Football (SEC) this season.

Lassiter had an outstanding game during Georgia’s win over the Missouri Tigers last season. He was assigned to cover Tigers’ star wide receiver Luther Burden for most of the game. Whether playing in the nickel or as an outside cornerback, Lassiter effectively shut down Burden, limiting him to only two receptions for 14 yards.

Georgia recruited Lassiter in 2021 from Savannah, his hometown, which played a significant role in his decision to attend the university.

He made an early impression as a freshman, contributing to various Bulldogs’ special teams units. By his sophomore year, Lassiter surpassed other cornerbacks to secure a starting position on the team. He appeared in all 15 games during the 2021 season.

Lassiter has been a consistent starter, playing 29 consecutive games for Georgia without injury. In his sophomore year, he recorded 38 tackles, five tackles for loss and four pass breakups.

Coach shows support for Lassiter’s decision

After the impressive 63-3 win in the 2023 Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles, the Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart expressed his support for Lassiter.

“I told him, Kamari, you should come out for the draft,” he said. “That’s my opinion. You’re one of the top corners in the draft. You’ve got to make that decision.”

“He came back about three or four days later, and I met with him and his mom and talked to him and fully expected him not to play in this game.”

Kirby Smart

Before the Bowl game, Smart said that he had met  Lassiter and his mother, anticipating that he would not play in the game. However, days after, Lassiter contacted Smart and said he wanted to be “out there” with his teammates.

Lassiter began 2023 as the established cornerback, with new other cornerbacks like Daylen Everette, Julian Humphrey and Nyland Green competing with him.

Across three seasons, Lassiter accumulated 86 tackles, 14 pass breakups, 8.5 tackles for loss and an interception.