Former St. Anthony’s star Preston “P.J.” Carey, one of the top prep defensive linemen in the country, knew he wanted to be part of a program that was dedicated to him from the start.

The 6-5, 300-pound Northport native, now entering his senior year at IMG Academy in Florida, announced his commitment to the University of Georgia Monday night at Oheka Castle.

“Georgia has been my dream school since I was little, and I can finally say that my dream has come true,” Carey said.

Carey’s recruitment was marked by Georgia’s persistence, with the Bulldogs offering him a scholarship after traveling to Temple University to see him play as an eighth-grader when logistical issues kept him from visiting Athens.

“They came to me when I couldn’t make it to them,” Carey said. “That’s when I knew they were serious. They’ve believed in me from Day One. That feeling was amazing.”

Carey’s football journey began at St. Anthony’s, where he helped lead the Friars to their first state championship. After transferring to IMG Academy his junior year, he became one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the Class of 2026, earning 58 Division I offers. He chose Georgia over other power conference programs Alabama, USC, Auburn, Florida, Ohio State and Rutgers.

Despite his move to Florida, Carey’s Long Island roots remain central to his progress. His father, Ben, founded the Long Island Elite youth football program, which first helped expose Carey’s talent on the national stage.

“He had a whiteboard when he was young, and without me saying anything to him, he wrote down the number of offers he wanted,” Ben said. “There's no doubt in my mind he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to do.”

Carey said his next goal is to reach the NFL as a high-round draft pick.

“Long Island will always be home,” Carey said. “But Georgia is where I can truly take my game to the next level.”