Penn State football: Abdul Carter already earning praise as a top DE in college football

The Penn State football team will look different on the field in 2024. That is largely because many Nittany Lions on the defensive side of the ball have declared for the NFL Draft or graduated from Penn State. A new man will lead the defensive unit as Manny Diaz left the Nittany Lions to take over as the head coach at Duke. Now, Tom Allen will be on the sideline calling the defense for Penn State. Additionally, defensive star Abdul Carter will be lining up in a new position this fall making the move from linebacker to defensive end. Now, PFF has listed Carter as one of the nation’s top defensive ends ahead of the 2024 season.

Abdul Carter listed as a top 10 edge rusher in college football

Abdul Carter exploded onto the scene during his true freshman campaign in 2022. He matched defensive line coach Deion Barnes as the only true freshman in Penn State football history to record 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. But where did Carter end up when compared to the top returners at the position? PFF has compiled a list of the nation’s top pass rushers after Carter decided to change positions following the 2023 season.

In 2023, his production took a slight dip, but his impact was still felt. At linebacker in 2023 Carter accounted for 49 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded his first career interception in 2023. But his ability to rush the passer is a major weapon in itself. We have seen former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons transition from linebacker to defensive end in the NFL, now Carter will get to go through transition before his pro career.

Now, Max Chadwick of PFF has named Abdul Carter as one of the top returning edge rushers in college football. Chadwick listed Carter as the No. 10 returning edge rusher in the country on his list shared on social media for PFF College.

Top 10 Returning Edge Rushers in College Football⭐️

(Via: @MaxChadwickCFB) pic.twitter.com/mvoVmQBimU

— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 14, 2024

James Franklin explains Carter’s decision to move to defensive end

On Tuesday James Franklin met with the Penn State football media and discussed the thought process of moving Carter to defensive end.

Franklin stated, “It’s kind of interesting, right? I remember when we recruited Abdul. I thought he was a defensive end, and Abdul and Dad were adamant that he was a linebacker. 

The reality is we just wanted him in our program and knew he was going to be a really good player wherever he decided to play, but this wasn’t really something from us…Abdul really wanted to make this move, I think, for a number of reasons, and we’re excited about it.”

Franklin later stated, “…I think the other thing is with our linebacker situation, I think we’ve created in pretty good depth there, and then the ability to play a little bit more nickel as well. Those things I think help. I think this has a chance to be a win-win for everybody. 

“I know Abdul is excited about it, and we’re looking forward to having an opportunity to work with him, but it is a big change. He’s never really done this before, and it is a big change. 

It’s not just like you make the decision to move, and you snap your fingers, and automatically, you’re a defensive end. It’s a different world the closer you get to the ball, just like it’s a different world if you move back to the secondary. We’re excited about watching his  development and growth, and it should be exciting.”

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