Penn State football linebacker Abdul Carter is turning heads following spring practice

The Nittany Lions’ spring practice, including the Blue/White spring game, has concluded, leaving a long summer ahead. As the nation’s top analysts delve into statistics and game footage, their assessments of each team’s potential begin to take shape. From the looks of things, standout Penn State football linebacker Abdul Carter is poised for an exceptional season.

In a recent report by Pro Football Focus, the talented sophomore has garnered recognition as one of the top 10 returning linebackers in college football. Carter’s remarkable ability to swiftly navigate the field has earned him plenty of praise, even being described as a “missile” on defense. Despite having only one college season under his belt, Carter’s performance has already elevated him to the ranks of the nation’s finest linebackers, leaving a lasting impression following 2023 spring practice.

Anyone else miss watching Abdul Carter wreck havoc on opposing offenses? ?

pic.twitter.com/ETOu8OczQL

— The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023

Penn State football linebacker Abdul Carter turns heads in year one

At this point last spring, Abdul Carter, the standout linebacker for Penn State football, weighed 16 pounds less than his current weight. In the previous season, Carter emerged as the key player in the Nittany Lions’ exceptional defense, amassing 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and forcing two fumbles, among other notable achievements.

As he enters his sophomore year, Carter’s imposing physical attributes are evident, with his height listed at 6 feet 3 inches and his weight at 249 pounds. Coupled with his remarkable talent and speed, this presents a daunting prospect for opposing offenses, and head coach James Franklin recognizes Carter’s exceptional abilities.

Carter ranked in top 10 by Pro Football Focus

Recently, Penn State football linebacker Abdul Carter earned some serious national praise from Pro Football Focus. The Nittany Lion standout has been ranked among the top 10 nationally, coming in as the 8th-best linebacker in the country and the 2nd-best linebacker in the Big Ten — Carter only trails Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) when it comes to the conference rankings.

Here is what PFF had to say:

“The No. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the ‘stix.’ So, when it was announced that Carter, a true freshman, would also wear that number, it raised some eyebrows. He quickly proved he deserved that honor, as his six sacks and three forced fumbles were tied for sixth among all linebackers in the country.”

Not sure the casual football fan is ready for Abdul Carter pic.twitter.com/m5hT1gfUfb

— Hardcore Penn State Football (@HardcorePSUFB) March 1, 2023

James Franklin chimes in

On top of some elite national praise from Pro Football Focus and others, head coach James Franklin claims that he has been impressed with Penn State football linebacker Abdul Carter as well.

“At the end of the day it is that they put on good weight, and [if they can] carry it,” James Franklin told the media. “And [Abdul Carter] has put on good weight and is carrying it well right now. So, at the end of the day, the reality is [get] as big as you can get and still keep your speed and quickness — it is a weapon. So, right now, he seems to be doing a good job of it.”

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