Abdul Carter’s three-year run in Happy Valley is already etched into program lore. The Philadelphia native arrived as a four-star recruit, blossomed into the Big Ten’s most disruptive defender, and left as Penn State’s highest draft pick in seven years.
Now, as a rookie with the New York Giants, Carter carries the same relentless motor that made him a Nittany Lion favorite.
North Philly Roots and Recruiting Buzz
Carter grew up in North Philadelphia and starred at La Salle College High School, where his blend of length, burst, and closing speed turned heads on the Mid-Atlantic recruiting circuit. By the time he finished his senior season with 78 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and an invitation to the Big 33 Football Classic, Carter was courted by bluebloods across the country.
He ultimately chose Penn State over South Carolina and Ole Miss, citing the staff’s plan to deploy him as a hybrid linebacker who could rush the passer or drop in coverage—a promise they kept.
Career Arc: The Evolution of “Number 11”
Waring the legendary No. 11 jersey (LBU tradition), Carter wasted little time making an impact.
2022: The Freshman Phenom
- Stats: 56 Tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.5 Sacks.
- Impact: He was the rare freshman who could stack and shed linemen on one snap and carry tight ends up the seam on the next. His 6.5 sacks were the most by a Nittany Lion freshman since Micah Parsons.
2023: The Sophomore Refinement
Offenses spent the offseason planning for him. While raw production dipped slightly (48 tackles, 4.5 sacks), he became a more disciplined run defender. The staff began experimenting with moving him closer to the line of scrimmage.
2024: The “Edge” Transformation
The move to full-time Edge Rusher unlocked a monster junior campaign.
- Stats: 68 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss (3rd best in school history), 12 sacks.
- Accolades: Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Unanimous First-Team All-American.
Scouting Report: Why He Went No. 3 Overall
NFL scouts saw a player who fits the modern “positionless” defensive prototype.
Strengths:
- First Step Explosiveness: Carter’s get-off is elite. He puts tackles in a panic phase immediately.
- Bend and Flexibility: For a 250-pounder, his ability to corner at a 45-degree angle is rare.
- Versatility: He can rush with his hand in the dirt, stand up as a blitzing linebacker, or drop into the flat.
Weaknesses:
- Hand Usage: Still developing a diverse set of counter-moves when his speed rush is stalled.
- Discipline: Occasionally over-pursues plays, opening cutback lanes.
NFL Fit: The New York Giants
The Giants selected Carter with the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, pairing him with fellow edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
“We see him as a moveable chess piece. We can line him up over the center, over the tackle, or walk him out. He creates mismatches everywhere.” — Shane Bowen, Giants Defensive Coordinator
Legacy in Happy Valley
Carter finished his Penn State career with 172 tackles, 43.5 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, and five forced fumbles.
Beyond the stats, he became a tone-setter in the locker room: honest in film sessions, vocal on the practice field, and generous with younger linebackers. His rise from La Salle to Beaver Stadium to the NFL mirrors Penn State’s reputation for churning out high-end defenders.
As the Nittany Lions try to navigate a turbulent 2026 season without him, Carter’s blueprint remains: relentless pass-rush pressure, smart run fits, and a knack for delivering the hit that changes the entire game plan.