Edge
Junior
Abdul Carter is an explosive edge rusher who became the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American. Born January 2, 2004, in Philadelphia, Carter transformed from linebacker to elite pass rusher in 2024, becoming the first Nittany Lion to post 10+ sacks in a season since Carl Nassib in 2015. In 2024, he started all 16 games and finished with 68 tackles (43 solo), 23.5 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and four pass breakups. He became Penn State's 15th Unanimous Consensus All-American, first since Saquon Barkley in 2017. His rare combination of 4.48 forty speed and explosive power made him the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
With Abdul Carter in the NFL, Penn State's defense has found new leaders. Amare Campbell, Tony Rojas, and Dani Dennis-Sutton step up as the unit navigates life without its former star.
Read More →Abdul Carter's evolution from linebacker to elite edge rusher culminated in becoming the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia native's journey represents one of the greatest single-season transformations in college football history.
Read More →When Dani Dennis-Sutton chose to return for his senior season, he gave Penn State a critical piece in their defensive line rotation. The Maryland native's development from five-star recruit to team leader exemplifies patience and dedication.
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