Abdul Carter, an edge rusher for Penn State, was chosen on Tuesday as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Officially called the Nagurski-Woodson prize, it is given in recognition of the greats Charles Woodson of Michigan and Bronko Nagurski of Minnesota.
Carter, a third-year linebacker who switched to defensive end in 2024, was the league leader with 19.5 tackles for loss. He is 6-3 and 252 pounds.
Additionally, Carter received the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year award.
Carter finished second in the Big Ten with 10 sacks, behind Matayo Uiagalelei of Oregon, who had 10.5.
Carter recorded two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hurries. He was the only Penn State defender selected by the coaches or media to be on the first team of the All-Big Ten.
After being chosen as the conference’s best defensive player, Carter said on Tuesday during an appearance on the Big Ten Network, “It’s a blessing to me.”
Although it’s an individual honor, I couldn’t have won it without my teammates; their efforts enabled me to create plays.
According to some draft analysts, Carter might be selected in the early first round if he leaves Penn State in time for the 2025 NFL draft.
Carter is currently ranked as the third overall prospect by Dane Brugler of The Athletic for the 2025 draft.
After recording 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups, five quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception, Carter was selected by the conference’s coaches as a first-team All-Big Ten linebacker in 2023.
In Saturday night’s Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis, Carter and his Penn State teammates will take on the undefeated Oregon club.
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