Helen Garnes, a versatile and dependable safety from Wake Forest University, has inked a UDFA contract with the Detroit Lions for the 2024 season. Garnes, known for his strong tackling, coverage skills, and football intelligence, aims to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Physical Profile
– Height: 5’11”
– Weight: 207 lbs
– Class: Senior
– Hometown: Waldorf, MD
– High School: North Point
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Collegiate Career Highlights 2023 (Senior)
– Consistent Starter: Played in every game and started 11 games.
– Statistical Standout: Finished with 61 tackles, including 33 solo tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.
– Key Performances: Recorded a season-high nine tackles (six solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, 1.0 sack, and one fumble recovery against NC State.
– Playmaker: Ranked second on the team in pass breakups with five and had seven games with five or more tackles.

2022 (Redshirt Junior)
– Reliable Presence: Started all 13 games, helping the team to its seventh consecutive bowl game and a victory in the Gasparilla Bowl.
– Career-Best Season: Totaled 71 tackles, including 43 solo stops, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack.
– Game-Changing Plays: Intercepted a pass against Liberty, recovered a fumble against Vanderbilt, and recorded three pass breakups.
– Notable Games: Posted a career-best 12 tackles in the win over Liberty.

2021 (Sophomore)
– Solid Contributor: Played in seven games, contributing to the team’s ACC Atlantic Division and Gator Bowl titles.
– Impactful Plays: Notched 13 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. Recorded season highs in tackles (4), sacks (1), and tackles for loss (2) against Syracuse.

Prior to Wake Forest (Navy)
– Early Experience: Appeared in all 13 contests, making 11 tackles, intercepting two passes, and breaking up another pass.
– Defensive Improvement: Contributed to a significantly improved Navy defense in multiple statistical categories.
– Special Teams Contribution: Played primarily on special teams early in the season, making his collegiate debut in the season-opening victory over Holy Cross.

High School Career
– Multi-Sport Athlete: Earned letters in football (3) and track & field (3) at North Point High School.
– Leadership and Recognition: Named a two-time All-County selection, served as team captain his junior and senior years, and led the team to a region championship in 2018.

Personal Background
– Academic Excellence: Majoring in Mathematical Economics.
– Family Support: Son of Troy and Sylvette Garnes.

Helen Garnes brings a blend of athleticism, intelligence, and proven performance to the Detroit Lions. His ability to make key plays and contribute both on defense and special teams positions him as a valuable addition to the team