Ask East Northport’s Preston Carey how long he’s loved football, and he’ll tell you “since the helmet weighed me down as a 4-year-old.”
The no-nonsense, towering defensive lineman — he stands 6-foot-5 and weighs nearly 300 pounds — has been the talk of the sport after recently committing to the University of Georgia inside a wing of the North Shore’s lavish Oheka Castle, filled to the brim with a few hundred of his diehard fans.
“I had a full scholarship offer from Georgia since eighth grade — and I believe another five other schools at the time. I would go to college football camps at that point, and just dominate ninth- to 12th-grade talent,” the soon-to-be Bulldog told The Post.
“Georgia believed in me since Day 1. … I was looking for the next big step, and Georgia was 100 percent that next big step,” added the 18-year-old, who narrowed his 50-something offers to UGA, Florida, Auburn and Rutgers.
The big man, who said his favorite part of football is “the aggression … and dominating your opponent,” added that his life’s M.O. is accomplishing challenge after challenge to reach that next level.
Carey started on varsity as a freshman for prestigious St. Anthony’s High School and led the Friars to a 27-20 state-title win over Buffalo’s St. Francis High School in 2022.
He credits the strict but caring South Huntington Catholic academy for giving him “a great base” of discipline and motivation both on and off the field, as St. Anthony’s students are held to a higher standard than most.
“A passing grade there is a 75, not 65 — so you have to be locked in for every class,” Carey said.
“It definitely builds callus.”
Stunt on ’em
After two years, Carey took his talents to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, which has produced NFL talent such as Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal and Jets safety Andre Cisco — a Long Islander who also played at St. Anthony’s before transferring to the Sunshine State school.
“It was easy for me. I would pack a bag up and go anywhere if it was beneficial for my career,” said Carey, who considers himself a Friar alumnus after “a great two years.”
“When that came about, it was just a ‘yes’ for me, no matter what. Thinking about who I was leaving behind, everything else was an afterthought. … It was a business decision.”
Carey soon soared with the IMG national team and developed a strong social media presence with several thousand followers keeping tabs on the young man’s belligerent style of play.
He has one more fall season at IMG before redshirting for Georgia in December at playoff time.
Throughout his recruiting process, Carey said he’s been in constant communication with Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott, who has already been passing on advice to the youngster.
“He keeps it real 100 percent through and through, and tells me what I do best and what I need to do better — and what it takes to get to that level of becoming one of those first-rounders,” Carey said.
Got that dawg in him
Like other years, Carey is spending his summer mornings — 6 a.m. sharp — at Peak Training System in Deer Park under the tutelage of Golden Ukonu, an offensive lineman who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2016.
After five hours in the take-no-prisoners gym he has trained at since middle school, Carey throws on gloves for MMA and boxing training.
“As a defensive lineman, you’re basically boxing. You’re using your hands to fight,” he said. “Lots of hand-eye coordination, lots of quick feet.”
Regarding mental preparation, Carey is keeping focused on being the best football player he can be, but is also enthusiastic about NIL opportunities — specifically as a way to give back to his family for its relentless support of his dream.
Still, the thought of prospectively appearing in the video game “NCAA Football 27” puts a smile on his face.
“It’s gonna be crazy,” Carey said. “It’s all a blessing.”
He’s looking to use his time in the SEC for an even bigger achievement in hearing his name called at the NFL draft some years from now.
“It’s a goal, not a dream,” he said, “because I’m working toward it every day.”
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