Penn State football coach updates progress of star Abdul Carter at new position

It’s been an offseason of significant personnel changes for Penn State football. But one of the most impactful moves came earlier this month, when it was revealed that star Nittany Lion LB Abdul Carter was transitioning to DE for the 2024 season. On Thursday, we heard from a member of the Penn State coaching staff for the first time since the news was made public, as strength and conditioning coach Chuck Losey detailed Carter’s natural growth into the new role.

Chucky Losey: Abdul Carter “naturally” transitioning to DE

Abdul Carter has been an instant impact player for Penn State football since he arrived in Happy Valley. Carter became only the second Nittany Lion freshman to record at least 10 tackles for loss and six sacks during the 2022 campaign. Carter followed it up last fall with 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore, good enough for first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors.

In 2024, Abdul Carter will be going after the quarterback full-time. The junior will transition from LB to DE, as indicated by a mid-February update to the official Penn State football roster. The move makes sense for a player with Carter’s elite pass-rushing abilities and mirrors the transition made by former Nittany Lion standout Micah Parsons in the NFL.

Speaking to the media Thursday, Penn State strength and conditioning coach Chuck Losey detailed Carter’s progress in the transition. According to Losey, the position change won’t require the junior to alter his regime in the weight room.

“Abdul is a physically gifted kid. His body can pretty much go in whatever direction we want it to,” Losey said. “His frame is still filling out. So, he’s naturally growing into that position.”

Penn State DEFENSIVE END Abdul Carter squats 475 lbs with ease. pic.twitter.com/bdTRRXSxyq

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) February 29, 2024

Tom Allen comments on plans for Penn State star defender

There will be a new face leading the Penn State defense in 2024, with Tom Allen taking over the defensive coordinator role in December. Abdul Carter was one of the first players to stand out to Allen upon arriving in Happy Valley.

At his introductory press conference, Allen expressed high hopes for his new star defender.

“He’s a big athlete that can run and move,” Allen said. “I think his best football is ahead of him. I think he’s got a great opportunity to keep growing and developing, and I’m really looking forward to [having] that one-on-one time together. I think he’s a guy that has been really special but can take his game to a higher level.”

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