Productive playmakers in the secondary are always at a premium, and Antonio Carter II was one of the premier targets in the college football transfer portal. After receiving offers from over 15 schools, the Rhode Island defensive back has committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Antonio Carter II Transfers to Notre Dame
Entering the transfer portal in April as one of the hottest FCS properties available, Carter quickly attracted attention from Power Five programs across the nation with early visits to Ole Miss and Wisconsin. However, the versatile defensive back is headed to South Bend after announcing his commitment to Notre Dame.
A graduate transfer, Carter will have two remaining years of eligibility for the Fighting Irish after redshirting in 2019. Although he’s played in three seasons since, every college football player received an extra year of eligibility due to the disrupted 2020 college football campaign.
Carter’s rise to the top level of college football with Notre Dame is impressive. Under-recruited coming out of Oak Ridge high school despite winning multiple accolades in a three-year career, he held offers from Wagner, Fordham, Gardner-Webb, and Rhode Island, committing to the Rams due to the standard of academics and his desire to compete in the CAA.
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Having redshirted in 2019 after seeing action in three games on defense and special teams, Carter secured the first interception of his Rhode Island career in the 2021 spring season. Transitioning to a full-time starting role in the fall of 2021, he showcased his multi-phase ability with 52 tackles and seven pass breakups.
However, it’s his performances in the 2022 campaign that made Carter such a hot commodity once he entered his name in the college football transfer portal. His 60 tackles, one interception, 10 pass breakups, and 4.5 tackles for loss included an early season test against FBS opposition Pittsburgh. The talented DB tallied four tackles and a pass breakup against the Panthers.
Although he’s predominantly played outside, his exposure as a box safety makes Carter a versatile addition for the Fighting Irish. He’s a ferocious downhill hitter whose tape is littered with bone-jarring hits. However, he’s also got the instincts and intelligence to locate the ball in all phases, with the athleticism and ball skills to be a force patrolling the perimeter.
Carter Quick Facts
- Class: Redshirt senior
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 200
- Hometown: Orlando, Fla
- Career tackles: 105
- Career sacks: 2
- Career tackles for loss: 5.5
- Career interceptions: 2
- Career pass breakups: 17
- Career forced fumbles: 3