Abdul Carter

OVERVIEW

 Abdul Carter's transition from linebacker to edge rusher highlights his elite athletic traits, including burst off the snap and closing speed. His ability to pressure the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield stands out, making him a potential impact player on passing downs. Carter's size, speed, and flexibility to bend the edge are coveted in the NFL. However, Carter's game comes with some cons. His tendency to over-pursue and miss tackles in open space could be a liability. Additionally, his inexperience at the edge position and occasional struggles in coverage suggest he will need time to refine his technique and instincts. Teams will need to coach up his hand usage and block-shedding skills. Carter's raw athleticism and upside as a pass rusher make him an intriguing draft prospect. With development, he has the potential to become a seriously disruptive edge defender with some major upside at the next level.

 

 BACKGROUND

 A standout linebacker from La Salle College High School, Carter was a 4-star recruit according to ESPN and 247 Sports. After committing to Penn State, Carter quickly made an impact on the field. During his freshman season in 2022, he played 12 games, recording 41 tackles, 10 assists, and 34 stops. He also added one pass breakup and 18 total pressures, including 8 sacks. In 2023, Carter continued to excel, playing in 13 games and accumulating 33 tackles, 8 assists, and 31 stops. He improved in coverage with 3 pass breakups and one interception. As a pass rusher, he registered 27 pressures, including 4 sacks. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and second-team honors from the media. Changed position ahead of the 2024 season - will now play exclusively as an edge. Carter's accolades include being named a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated and earning multiple All-Big Ten honors. 

ANALYSIS

 PROS

Super athletic - Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List at #43. He Wrote: " Carter flashed spectacular talent as a true freshman, making 10.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks and breaking up four passes. At 6-3, 250, Carter clocked a 4.48 40, had a 4.35 shuttle and broad-jumped 10-7. He also power-cleaned 350." 

Excellent closing speed, making him effective against relatively immobile quarterbacks. Displays heavy hitting and explosiveness, capable of forcing fumbles and breaking up plays. Dynamic edge rusher with NFL-caliber quickness and flexibility to bend the edge. Long arms help him drag down quarterbacks and running backs efficiently. Downhill defender with physical tackling ability, demonstrating good awareness and discipline. Combines strong instincts with quick reaction skills, often finding the ball in traffic. Ranked third in pass rush win rate among 1,001 players with 100 or more snaps in 2023.

 CONS:

 Tends to overrun plays, which can open up cutback lanes for counter runs. Lacks the strength to consistently anchor against stronger blockers. Struggles with open-field tackling, missing 16 tackles in 2023. Allows some serious yards after the catch, highlighting issues in pass coverage. Inexperience at the edge position shows, particularly against more complex offensive schemes.

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HISTORY -- From School Profile

CAREER NOTES & RECORDS

Season: 2022: Joined Deion Barnes (10 TFL, 6 sacks; 2012) as the only Penn State freshmen to record 10-plus tackles for loss and 6-plus sacks in a season...Was one of eight linebackers (10 instances) to put up 10-plus tackles for loss and 6-plus sacks in a season at Penn State...Became the first PSU linebacker since Dan Connor (15 TFL, 6.5 sacks; 2007) to reach the milestone.

2023 • SOPHOMORE SEASON

Awards: Postseason: Earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and second-team from the media...Tabbed second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated...Named Penn State's Keystone Award winner on defense along with Kevin Winston Jr.  Preseason: Named to the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Nagurski Award watch lists...Earned PFF All-American honorable mention recognition.

Season: Started all 13 games...Made 48 tackles (25 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, five pass breakups and five quarterback hurries...Named the coaching staff's Defensive Player of the Game (Maryland, 11/4).

West Virginia (9/2): Recorded a sack to force a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter...Added a quarterback hurry. Delaware (9/9): Made four tackles (3 solo) and added a quarterback hurry. at Illinois (9/16): Intercepted a pass in the first quarter and returned it 18 yards, the first pick of his career...Added a pair of tackles. Iowa (9/23): Made three tackles. at Northwestern (9/30): Broke up a pass and made a solo stop...Added a quarterback hurry. UMass (10/14): Posted three tackles, including a tackle for loss. at Ohio State (10/21): Made a career-high nine tackles (5 solo)...Added a pass breakup. Indiana (10/28): Tallied five tackles. at Maryland (11/4): Posted a team-high six tackles, a solo sack in the first quarter and a pass breakup. Michigan (11/11): Made three tackles (2 solo) to go along with a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Rutgers (11/18): Posted five tackles (2 solo), a half-sack and a quarterback hurry. at Michigan State (11/24): Tied his career high with two sacks, registering one in the second quarter and another in the third quarter...Finished with three solo tackles and added a quarterback hurry. vs. Ole Miss (12/30): Made three tackles and broke up a pass.

2022 • TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON

Awards: Postseason: Earned All-Big Ten second team honors from the media and third team laurels from the coaches...Named a Phil Steele All-Big Ten second team selection...Earned spots on ESPN.com, Pro Football Focus, On3 and 247Sports' True Freshman All-American teams...Tabbed an FWAA and  College Football News Freshman All-American...Named ECAC Defensive Rookie of the Year...Named Penn State's Keystone Award winner along with Kalen King and Juice Scruggs. Midseason: Was a finalist for the Maxwell Football Club's Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

Season: Appeared in 13 games, making six starts...Tallied 56 tackles (36 solo) with 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass breakups and five quarterback hurries... Led the team in sacks and was second in tackles and tackles for loss...Earned the coaching staff's Defensive Player of the Week twice (Maryland, 11/12; Rutgers, 11/19).

Rankings: Finished fourth in the Big Ten in sacks (6.5), tied for sixth in forced fumbles (2) and tied for 11th in tackles for loss (10.5)...Paced all Big Ten freshmen in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles, and was second in tackles (56)...Among FBS freshmen, was third in tackles for loss and tied for third in sacks.

Ohio (9/10): Made five tackles (2 solo). at Auburn (9/17): Tied for the team lead with six tackles (all solo)...Forced his first career fumble in the second quarter, which was recovered by Jonathan Sutherland...Recorded his first career sack in the third quarter. Central Michigan (9/24): Finished second on the team with five tackles (4 solo) to go along with a pass breakup. Northwestern (10/1): Made two tackles, including a tackle for loss. at Michigan (10/15): Recorded five tackles (4 solo) and added a tackle for loss. Minnesota (10/22): Made the first start of his career...Totaled eight tackles (3 solo)...Picked up a half sack. Ohio State (10/29): Recorded four tackles (3 solo)...Added a sack. at Indiana (11/5): Made two tackles...Added a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup. Maryland (11/12): Led the team with seven tackles (3 solo)...Added a sack, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries. at Rutgers (11/19): Recorded four total tackles (3 solo), including two tackles for loss and a sack. Michigan State (11/26): Set his career high in tackles for loss (3) and sacks (2)...Totaled seven tackles (5 solo). vs. Utah (1/2): Made a solo stop.

HIGH SCHOOL

Four-time letterman for head coach John Steinmetz at La Salle College High School...Team captain and MVP as a senior...Guided La Salle College to a 9-2 record his senior season and a PCL Championship...Invited to play in the All-American Bowl...Finished a two-time all-state honoree...Was a three-time All-Philadelphia Catholic League selection...Made 78 tackles (53 solo) as a senior, with two sacks, 10 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two passes defended...Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports, On3, Rivals and ESPN...Ranked the No. 295 prospect, No. 29 linebacker, and No. 10 player in Pennsylvania by 247Sports...Was the No. 225 player nationally, No. 23 linebacker and No. 7 prospect in Pennsylvania by On3...Rated the No. 218 recruit nationally, the No. 20 outside linebacker and No. 6 player in Pennsylvania by Rivals...Graded the No. 37 linebacker, No. 44 recruit in the region and No. 11 player in Pennsylvania by ESPN...Also lettered in basketball at La Salle College as a power forward.

PERSONAL

Full name is Abdul Jabar Carter....Son of Tina and Christopher Carter...Has two sisters, Cheryl and Cianie, and two brothers, Hakim and Isaiah...Enjoys video games, working out, shooting pool, playing chess and studying his linebacker position in free time...Has spent time as a volunteer tutor...Has the goal of playing in the NFL...Would like to major in computer science at Penn State.

2022

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
10.5	5.0	55.0	0.0	4.0	6.5	35.0