Position change gives Penn State's Abdul Carter 'a chance to do what I do best’

STATE COLLEGE — Abdul Carter shot off the line of scrimmage, smoked the blocker in front of him and barrelled into the backfield.

Then, he did it again. And again. And again. Penn State’s quarterbacks seeing Carter come their way ought to be thankful they weren’t allowed to get hit.

It was only the Blue-White game. Carter overwhelmed an overmatched offensive line mostly made up of freshmen and reserves. The blockers will be better, the challenge tougher, in Big Ten play. But Saturday, everyone saw a glimpse of what Carter can do at his new position.

Two months ago, a subtle update of Penn State’s roster indicated a significant switch for one of James Franklin’s top players. Carter, the All-Big Ten linebacker, moved to defensive end. And for the first time since the change, Carter spoke to reporters about the move.

Carter said the position switch was something he had to sit down, think about and hash out with those closest to him. He had a conversation at some point with Franklin, one that clearly went well. Carter confirmed the change was his idea in the first place.

“This is a chance for me to do what I do best, and that’s get after the quarterback,” Carter said after the Blue-White game. “Play fast, not have to think. Do what I do best and get paid.”

It’s hard to argue with the logic. Top edge rushers get drafted higher and command more money than linebackers in the NFL. So yes, the 2025 draft-eligible junior is looking out for his future. But Carter looking out for himself should also be a boon for Penn State’s defense.

The Nittany Lions are losing production off the edge. Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, a duo that accounted for 44¹⁄₂ tackles for loss the last two seasons, are off to the NFL. Dani Dennis-Sutton is due for a breakout season, and Amin Vanover, Zuriah Fisher and Jameial Lyons are talented players in their own right. It’s not as if Penn State would be out of options. But Carter offers unique skills that should allow him to thrive at the position.

Carter showed his pass-rushing chops the last two years. The Philly native led Penn State with 6¹⁄₂ sacks in 2022 and followed that up with 4¹⁄₂ sacks in 2023. He was blitzed often and utilized in third-down pass-rushing sets by former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

Now, it’s about translating what made him a game-changing linebacker — speed, power, an unteachable nose for the ball — into a devastating presence at defensive end.

“At linebacker, you’re coming downhill, engaging with the offensive linemen,” Carter said. “At defensive end, it’s immediate. They’re right in front of me. So there’s a difference. But it’s nothing I can’t handle and nothing I can’t do. I’ve adjusted well, and I continue to get better.”

Carter said the transition has gone smoothly. It helps that he took reps off the edge in those Diaz third-down packages. It also helps that he has defensive line coach Deion Barnes mentoring him as well as former and current teammates tips when needed.

Even the Blue-White game offered a teaching moment for Carter. Robinson, who was in town for the game, was seen coaching Carter up on the Beaver Stadium sidelines.

Robinson said after last month’s Pro Day that Carter will be “unstoppable” when he fine-tunes his technique. Becoming more polished and precise with his footwork, hand placement and timing off the ball will come with more reps, more film study and, simply, more time.

But from what we saw Saturday — and what we’ve seen from Carter the last two seasons — there’s reason to believe Robinson will be right.