The New York Giants selected former Penn State standout Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Initially an outside linebacker, Carter approached defensive coordinator Tom Allen in December 2023, requesting to transition to defensive end. That move was a turning point, boosting his draft stock and elevating Penn State’s defense during his final collegiate season.
From OLB to All-American: Numbers Before Abdul Carter’s Career-Altering Bet
Carter joined Penn State as a four-star recruit in 2022. He requested the revered No. 11 jersey, synonymous with the program’s linebacker greatness. It had last been worn by Micah Parsons, now an NFL All-Pro, and Carter made it clear he was ready to carry that legacy forward.
When news surfaced in April 2024 that Carter was transitioning from OLB to a full-time DE, it quickly grabbed headlines across the college football world and the NFL draft circles.
The move was a surprise, albeit one that made sense. In two seasons as a linebacker, Carter had proven himself. He recorded 11 sacks, 104 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles.
Yet, with Penn State preparing to lose both Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, two standout edge rushers who combined for 44.5 tackles for loss to the 2024 NFL Draft, the timing was right for Carter to step into a bigger role on the line.
The switch paid immediate dividends. Carter finished the 2024 season leading the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Both marks etched his name into Penn State’s record books, ranking third and sixth all-time for a single season, respectively.
KEEP READING: Abdul Carter Hoping To Tackle Giants Legends Refusing Their Numbers With a Brilliant Response Soon
He also won numerous awards and honors, including the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
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