UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s talented junior defensive end Abdul Carter has been recognized as one of nine semifinalists for the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy, an accolade that he earned on Monday. This honor highlights his exceptional contributions both on the field and in the community.
The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded each year to the student-athlete who embodies the qualities of former NFL standout Ronnie Lott. The award emphasizes the significance of making an IMPACT® in crucial areas, represented by the acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Abdul Carter · Jr. · DE · 6-3 · 252 · Philadelphia, Pa. · La Salle College High School
- Selected semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
- Named to multiple watch lists, including the Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
- Earned distinction as a Preseason All-American by various outlets, including 1st team recognition from the Action Network and 2nd team from Associated Press, CBS, ESPN, The Athletic, and the Walter Camp Award.
- Garnered first-team All-Big Ten honors from coaches and was recognized as second-team by the media in 2023, displaying his defensive prowess as a linebacker.
- Transitioned from linebacker to a defensive end role following the 2023 season, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.
- Posted impressive career statistics with 144 tackles (85 solo), 31.5 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks, exhibiting his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
- Has established a pattern of dominance, with six career games featuring 2+ tackles for loss and five games boasting 2+ sacks.
- In the 2024 season, he accumulated 40 tackles (24 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, underscoring his ongoing impact this year.
- Ranks third in the FBS (and first in the Big Ten) with 15.5 tackles for loss, while standing 11th nationally (2nd in B1G) with eight sacks, illustrating his top-tier performance.
- Against Kent State, Carter made significant contributions, recording four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a impactful sack.
- Achieved a personal best against Illinois, with four tackles for loss and two sacks, which included a pivotal strip-sack, exemplifying his game-changing abilities.
- Received accolades such as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Player of the Week after his performance against Illinois, highlighting his elevated status in collegiate football.
- Recorded a solid outing against UCLA, notching three tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss, further establishing his defensive credentials.
- During the game at USC, he showcased his skills with a solo sack and 1.5 tackles for loss, continuing his trend of impactful plays.
- Collected two sacks and four tackles in a hard-fought contest against Ohio State, highlighting his ability to step up in crucial matchups.
- Noteworthy performance against Washington where he recorded six tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble, including two tackles for loss in the first quarter.
Finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy will be honored at the annual award show scheduled for December 9, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
No. 6 Penn State is set to face off against Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 16, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS.
For club and ticket information for the upcoming 2024 Penn State Football season, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**Interview with Abdul Carter: Semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy**
**Editor (E):** Good afternoon, Abdul! Congratulations on being named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy! How does it feel to receive such an significant recognition?
**Abdul Carter (AC):** Thank you! It’s an incredible honor. Being recognized for not just my performance on the field, but also for my contributions to the community, really hits home. The values associated with the Lott IMPACT Trophy are something I strive to embody every day.
**E:** Absolutely, the award emphasizes Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Can you share a bit about how you try to live up to these principles?
**AC:** Sure! Academics come first for me; I want to set a good example for younger players. On the field, I focus on teamwork and discipline, and off the field, I love participating in community service projects. It’s important to give back and make a positive impact wherever I can.
**E:** Transitioning from linebacker to defensive end must have required a lot of adaptation. What prompted that switch, and how has it impacted your game?
**AC:** The coaching staff felt that I could maximize my skill set in that role. It’s definitely different, but I love the challenge. Playing defensive end allows me to use my speed and power in new ways, and I think it’s enhanced my overall game.
**E:** Your stats this season are impressive, with 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. What do you attribute your success to?
**AC:** A lot of hard work and the support of my teammates and coaches. We watch a lot of film together, and our defensive unit has great chemistry. It means a lot to know they trust me to execute and disrupt offenses.
**E:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the remainder of the season, both individually and as a team?
**AC:** I want to continue improving and be a leader on this defense. As a team, we have our sights set on winning the Big Ten and making a strong playoff run. With hard work and focus, I believe we can accomplish that.
**E:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to aspiring young athletes hoping to follow in your footsteps?
**AC:** Stay focused on your goals, work hard, and don’t forget to give back to your community. It’s not just about personal success; it’s about how you can lift others up along the way.
**E:** Thank you for your time, Abdul, and best of luck for the rest of the season!
**AC:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
