University of Kentucky defensive back Carrington Valentine, a Moeller High School football product, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 232nd overall pick.
Valentine, who decided to forego his final year of eligibility at the University of Kentucky when he declared for the NFL Draft in December, graduated from Moeller in 2020.
Valentine was the second Greater Catholic League-South product taken by the Packers on Saturday after Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford went to Green Bay in the fifth round.
More:Former St. Xavier quarterback Sean Clifford drafted by Green Bay Packers
A three-star recruit out of high school, Valentine spent time at wide receiver and defensive back with the Crusaders. Over three seasons, he totaled 58 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery and an interception. On the offensive side, he had 21 catches for 347 yards and a touchdown. Valentine also registered 954 kick return yards (25.7 yards per return) and two touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all-district as a senior and was a two-time all-conference selection in the GCL-South.
Valentine played three seasons with Kentucky and was a starter for each of the last two. For his career with the Wildcats, Valentine had over 100 tackles, a pair of sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and broke up 17 passes. His one collegiate interception came in Kentucky's 31-0 win over Youngstown State last September.
"Valentine has the physical traits necessary for the NFL but the instincts and body control to extend his coverage against quality route runners leaves something to be desired," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said of Valentine in his prospect breakdown. "He’s solid at crowding vertical throws and can play press-and-bail, but he has had coverage busts in zone. Also, he bites too easily on double moves. Valentine’s lack of aggression as a run defender could make it tougher for zone teams to give him a chance."
Source link
