Penn State football: ‘Abdul Carter to have a Micah Parsons type impact’ analyst says

What did Penn State football head coach James Franklin learn from Micah Parsons? The answer is simple: allow players to show off their on-field versatility while they are a Nittany Lion. While Parsons played linebacker at Penn State, he transitioned to defensive end in the NFL for the Cowboys and has become the best defender in the league. Now, ahead of his junior season, Abdul Carter has made the transition himself and is drawing comparisons to Parsons by PFF.

‘Abdul Carter to have a Micah Parsons type impact’ analyst says

Abdul Carter is among one of the top defenders in college football regardless of his position. However, he has a natural way of rushing the passer. Over the past two seasons, it almost feels like that’s what he looks the most comfortable doing on the field. This fall he will have a chance to prove that theory, as he moves full-time to defensive end.

During his Penn State football career, Carter has already accounted for 105 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks from his outside linebacker position. Now, he can show NFL scouts what he can do as an edge rusher. Max Chadwick of PFF thinks Carter can have a Micah Parsons-type impact this fall.

“Like Micah Parsons, Abdul Carter has freakish movement ability at 250 pounds which should translate immediately along the edge,” the PFF analyst wrote.

Could Abdul Carter make that Micah Parsons type impact?👀 pic.twitter.com/47y2oHhkVg

— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 23, 2024

Are the Nittany Lions left thin at linebacker?

While it’s great for Carter to get a chance to play a different position, will Tom Allen have an issue filling the void? The answer is no. Penn State has plenty of depth at linebacker and many of those players have yet to scratch the surface of their potential on the field.

The Nittany Lions will be without Keon Wylie after he recently went down with an undisclosed injury. However, expect up-and-coming players such as Tony Rojas, Kaveion Keys, and Ta’Mere Robinson to see the field more this fall. With program veterans Kobe King, Tyler Elsdon, and Dom DeLuca also remaining on the front lines.

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