Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker for Penn State, has quickly made a name for himself in the world of college football. With a rare combination of strength and speed, his rise has been nothing short of impressive.
His physical presence on the field has made him a dominant force for the Nittany Lions. As his college career progresses, the future looks bright for this rising star, and many professionals believe he could go very far.
With career highlights that include multiple awards and a reputation as a game-changer, he is already drawing attention from NFL scouts. His story is just beginning, and fans are eager to see where this talented athlete will go next.
How old is Abdul Carter?
Born on January 2, 2004, in Philadelphia, Abdul Carter is currently 21 years old. He enrolled at Penn State in June 2022, shortly after graduating from La Salle College High School and quickly became a standout linebacker for the Nittany Lions.
Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on before the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Beaver Stadium on December 21, 2024. (Source: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
How tall is Abdul Carter?
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Abdul Carter possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern edge rusher. His combination of size and athleticism has made him a formidable force on the field, contributing to his rapid ascent in college football.
Who is Abdul Carter’s coach?
Under the guidance of Penn State’s head coach James Franklin, Abdul Carter has flourished. Franklin, known for developing top-tier defensive talent, has played a pivotal role in his transition from linebacker to edge rusher, allowing him to showcase his full potential.
Abdul Carter’s injury in 2023
In 2023, Abdul Carter faced a significant challenge when he suffered a stress reaction in his right foot. This injury was discovered during the NFL Scouting Combine, leading to concerns about his health and draft prospects.
Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a sack against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2024. (Source: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Despite the potential need for surgery, he opted against the procedure and instead focused on rehabilitation, according to sources like State College, Big Blue View and Onward State.
His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed confidence that the injury would not impact his draft position, emphasizing that the decision to skip surgery was made to ensure a full recovery without compromising future performance.
Carter’s commitment to recovery paid off when he participated in Penn State’s Pro Day on March 28, 2025, showcasing his readiness for the NFL Draft. His performance coupled with his previous accolades, reaffirmed his status as a top draft prospect.
Abdul Carter’s career highlights
- Unanimous All-American (2024): Earned consensus All-American honors after a standout season.
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2024): Recognized as the top defensive player in the Big Ten conference.
- 23 sacks: Recorded 23 sacks, becoming one of the top edge rushers in college football.
- 39.5 tackles for loss: Showed relentless disruption of opposing offenses with nearly 40 tackles for loss.
- Key defensive leader: Played a major role in Penn State’s nationally-ranked defense.
