Abdul Carter did not work out at the NFL Draft Combine or at Penn State’s Pro Day. However, he is still one of the top prospects to leave the college game this season. After meeting with teams at the top of the draft, he is set to embark on the next chapter. With Carter’s pure talent and production at multiple positions in college, the Penn State star adds intrigue to the top of the NFL Draft. Additionally, a recent post on social media has him back in the spotlight.
Earning the Hype
Penn State had a very successful season in 2024, progressing all the way to the College Football Playoffs (CFP) semifinals. Defensive star Abdul Carter was a big reason for that success. Carter’s talent is undeniable. His statistics at Penn State put him in the upper echelon of all-time Penn State defenders. He won awards for his efforts and started his own campaign for the Heisman (which he didn’t win). Consequently, Carter has earned the hype.
The Making of a Top Five Pick
A top-five pick in the NFL Draft can make or break a franchise for years to come. That is why those picks are frequently used on quarterbacks. However, Carter has the potential to be one of those franchise-changing stars.
Carter was a top performer at Penn State from early on. As a freshman in 2022, he became the second Penn State freshman to record at least 10 tackles for loss along with six sacks in a season. The other Nittany Lion to accomplish that feat was Deion Barnes, Carter’s eventual defensive line coach at Penn State.
In his junior season in 2024, Carter made a big move that paid dividends for Carter, for the Penn State defense, and for his NFL Draft stock. In his first two seasons, Carter played linebacker. And in 2024, under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Tom Allen, Carter moved to defensive end. Overall, he recorded 68 tackles and 12 sacks, with two forced fumbles. Carter also led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss.
Following in the St1x C1ty Footsteps
Enhancing Carter’s status in entering the NFL Draft process was the legacy of the Penn State defense. He started as a linebacker at Linebacker U. Additionally, there is a long line of prior Nittany Lions who have successfully made the move to the NFL. It is not a reach for teams to envision a Penn State linebacker continuing to succeed at the NFL level.
Carter was the proud torchbearer of #11 on the Penn State defense. The number brings prestige and expectations with it. Carter exceeded those expectations on the field. Prior defensive stars that donned the #11 jersey included LaVar Arrington, NaVorro Bowman, and Micah Parsons. Those players went from great careers at Penn State to successful careers in the NFL. Carter has the chance to eclipse all of them, judging by his college statistics and awards. Following his junior season in 2024, Carter was named a unanimous consensus All-American. He was the 15th Penn State player to achieve that distinction, and the first since Saquon Barkley. He was also named the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Overcoming Adversity
In addition to raw talent, a player needs to be mentally tough to succeed in football. Carter has proven himself able to do that. Examples occurred in both the beginning and the end of last season.
Starting in 2024 at a new position as a defensive lineman, it was a bit rocky at first. Carter was charged with penalties early on and struggled to make meaningful impacts in the game. The move from linebacker was questioned. His first sack of the season came in the win against Kent State, and in the next contest against Illinois, Carter produced seven tackles, two sacks, and forced a fumble. From there, Carter accelerated in his production and regained national notoriety.
In Penn State’s semifinal loss against Notre Dame, Carter again showed both his physical and mental toughness. He was struggling with an arm/shoulder injury. The injury was apparent and impacted his play. Despite that, he still impacted the game. Carter produced five tackles and a sack in the game. However, he was the key focus for the Notre Dame offense. On the national stage, Carter produced and led the defense. He will have to continue fighting through potential injuries, as medical testing at the NFL Draft Combine revealed he was dealing with a stress reaction in his foot.
An Abundance of Carter Confidence
Despite the early season struggles, Carter’s mental fortitude and confidence did not waver. They were also frequently on display throughout the season. Carter believed he was the best player in college football, and openly talked about it. Counter to the traditional Penn State team-first approach, Carter was his own biggest cheerleader. Following a sack in a game against Maryland, Carter even struck the Heisman pose.
Recently, Carter has been meeting with NFL teams that could potentially draft him. The New York Giants were one of those teams. If Carter gets past the Cleveland Browns, who hold the second pick, he is an option for the Giants to select. One of New York’s best-known players was Lawrence Taylor. Taylor was drafted by the Giants as the second overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. He went on to become one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
Following his meeting with the Giants as part of the pre-draft process, Carter posted a picture on his X account. It is a significant one, as it showed Taylor in a Giants uniform, with the quote “Once a Giant, always a Giant” on the bottom. Carter continues to run toward very lofty expectations, fueled by his performance and stats at Penn State. It is still to be determined where Carter will land in the NFL Draft. However, what is obvious is the Penn State star continues to add intrigue to the top of the NFL Draft.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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