In 2023, Abdul Carter was a borderline All-American linebacker in his sophomore season. Yet, Penn State and new defensive coordinator Tom Allen decided to move Carter to defensive end full-time for 2024, and he’s been even better.
Carter was a dominant pass rusher in limited opportunities last season, but with more chances to get after the opposing quarterback this season, he’s racked up eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and 36 QB pressures. He’s been a completely dominant force along the Penn State defensive line and he’s being properly recognized for it. On Friday, it was announced that Abdul Carter was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in the country.
Carter was one of four finalists along with South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard, Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Kennard, a Georgia Tech transfer who has flourished in Columbia, has generated 33 QB pressures, the second most on his own team, but has nine sacks, one more than Carter. By PFF’s pass-rush win rate, Carter edges Kennard at 20.4% to 13.9%. Graham has 32 pressures, five sacks, and a 12.1% win rate as an interior defensive lineman. Barron has four interceptions, and three pass breakups, and has been a versatile chess piece for Texas’s defense.
With dominant pass-rushing stats on one of the country’s best defenses, Carter has an excellent chance to take home the award, especially with the alluring story of his offseason position change and skyrocketing draft stock. He should edge out both Kennard and Graham, but Barron is a tough comparison at such a different position.
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts won the award last season but did so by leading the country with seven interceptions. Unless he grabs three more in the final two weeks of the season, Barron’s case for winning the award could be tough to make.
With this group of finalists, it feels safe to say that Abdul Carter is the favorite to win the “defensive Heisman.”