Abdul Carter was a finalist for three national awards: the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award — each given to the best defensive player in college football — and the Lombardi Award, presented annually to the top lineman in college football.
Carter, Penn State’s star edge rusher, didn’t win any of them. So when Carter met with reporters Tuesday for the first time since those awards were announced, he was asked about it.
“It definitely gives me an extra edge,” Carter said. “The night I got snubbed for the Nagurski Trophy, I did some push ups and maxed out. I just use it as motivation.
“I still feel like I’m the best defensive player but not just the best defensive player. I think I’m the best player in general. … I just use it all as motivation.”
Carter is well within his rights to feel snubbed. The junior has racked up 19 1/2 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He’s a big reason why Penn State reached the College Football Playoff, and everyone will be watching him when the Nittany Lions face SMU in the first round Saturday.
South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard, the winner of the Nagurski Trophy, had 15 1/2 TFLs and 11 1/2 sacks on a 9-3 team. Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy as a two-way star, won the Bednarik Award. The Lombardi Award went to Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
There’s a reason why Carter is considered a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick. The first-team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has been a nightmare for opposing offenses. His NFL stock has skyrocketed since making the switch from linebacker to defensive end.
But before Carter goes to the NFL, he will have a large role to play in a potential CFP run with the Nittany Lions. He knows that. Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen knows that. And SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, who will have to game plan for Carter, knows that.
“Abdul Carter is the best defensive player we’ve played since I’ve been coaching at SMU based on what I’ve seen on film,” Lashlee told reporters. “He’s a problem.”
Added Allen: “I believe he’s the best defensive player in the country. He’s proven that each week. This game against SMU is going to be another opportunity for him to do what he does best, which is to disrupt. … Excited for him to play his best football here on Saturday.”
