1 — Duke’s Trailblazing Triple Captain
Carter etches his name in Duke football lore as the program’s inaugural player to secure the captaincy for three consecutive seasons (2021-23).
During his tenure spanning five seasons, Carter’s dedication and knack for impactful plays solidified his reputation. He clinched the esteemed Carmen Falcone Team Most Valuable Player Award and Defensive MVP accolade in 2023.
2 — Academic Brilliance Beyond the Gridiron
Recognized for his scholarly prowess, Carter clinched the prestigious Jim Tatum Award, bestowed upon the top senior student-athlete by the ACC in 2023. Additionally, he garnered dual honors as a two-time Academic All-ACC recipient.
Delving beyond the gridiron, Carter pursued a minor in theater during his Duke tenure, citing its role in honing his interview acumen.
“In college, I aimed to explore every facet of the experience,” Carter shared with Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News. “Theater, for me, was a platform to enhance my interview skills and comfort in front of the camera.”
3 — Senior Bowl Surge
Carter emerged as a standout performer at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, enhancing his draft stock with sterling displays in Mobile, Alabama. Observers lauded his prowess in one-on-one matchups during practice sessions.
4 — A Gridiron Legacy
Hailing from a lineage steeped in football, Carter follows a familial tradition rooted in the sport. His grandfather, Ray, achieved acclaim as a running back at Youngstown State, earning induction into the YSU Hall of Fame in 1997.
Carter’s father and two uncles further enriched the family legacy through their exploits on the gridiron. His father excelled as a wide receiver at Ohio State, while his uncles Raymond and John made their mark at Notre Dame and Western Kentucky, respectively.
Beyond football, Carter showcased his athletic versatility in high school, garnering recognition as a first-team All-District selection in baseball, where he excelled as a catcher and first baseman.
On the gridiron, Carter’s prowess was equally impressive, securing a state championship in his junior year. He further distinguished himself as the Metro Defensive Player of the Year, clinching All-State, All-District, and All-Conference honors in his senior campaign.
5 — Projections of NFL Promise
NFL analysts foresee Carter’s potential to make waves at the professional level, projecting him as a valuable asset for prospective teams.
“He possesses a blend of intelligence, strength, and relentless energy. While he may not ascend to a permanent starting role, his versatility makes him an asset as a rotational player in various defensive schemes,” noted NFL Network Draft analyst Lance Zierlein.
Though Carter’s pass rush may outshine his run defense initially, his adeptness with the bull rush and lateral agility hint at his potential to thrive as a rotational piece in a 4-3 defensive alignment.
