Penn State Football: The three biggest surprises from this season

Oct 22, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with running back Nicholas Singleton (10) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Abdul Carter becoming a star

Abdul Carter was rated as a 4-star prospect in the 2022 class, but he was overshadowed by Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Dani Dennis-Sutton and others in Penn State’s 2022 class.

In the end though, you can argue Carter had the biggest impact of anyone in the freshman class for Penn State football in 2022.

The linebacker, wearing the legendary No. 11, had 55 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks as a true freshman this season. Those numbers are impressive, but they’re even more impressive when you add in the fact he only played a couple snaps against Purdue, and then split time with Curtis Jacobs at the WILL position for half the season.

Eventually, Penn State found more ways to get both Carter and Jacobs on the field together.

For comparison, the last No. 11 on Penn State’s defense, Micah Parsons had 82 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a true freshman. Like Carter, Parsons dealt with limited playing time early on.

While comparing Carter to arguably the NFL’s best defensive player would be unfair, he is showing plenty of similar promise. 2023 could be a massive season for Carter and Penn State football.

Home/Penn State Football