The Penn State Nittany Lions lost a couple of solid defensive players to the 2023 NFL draft. Even with that, they are still a stacked team in the Big Ten. Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz truly brought out the best of this team, and there are multiple Penn State players that deserve attention. One player, in particular, who deserves to be watched the most is Abdul Carter. The linebacker played just one season with the team and showed out. Here is a look as to why Carter will be the Penn State player to watch on the defense in 2023.
2023 Penn State Player to Watch: Defense
Penn State LB Abdul Carter – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter spent just one season playing with the Nittany Lions. Based on his stats, it would not seem as though that were just his first year. It was not just his first season playing with the Nittany Lions; it was actually his first collegiate year as a true freshman, according to Penn State Athletics. The team may have lost several key players on defense, such as Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown, but Carter will be a Penn State player to watch on the defense in 2023.
Abdul Carter’s 2022 Season
The linebacker played in all 13 games in 2022, which includes the Rose Bowl. Health is wealth in sports, and Carter demonstrated that he can remain fit for game day. In the 13 games played, Carter had a total of 56 combined tackles, 36 of which were solo, according to Sports Reference. He also had 10.5 tackles for loss, which is impressive for a true freshman. Even more special, Carter had 6.5 sacks in 2022. The defense for the Nittany Lions played aggressively, and Carter demonstrated that. The Penn State player also had four pass deflections and two forced fumbles. For just one season, these are big numbers that Carter put up.
In 2022 Penn State had 43 total sacks. Carter, the freshman, led the team in sacks with 6.5. In second was defensive lineman Demeioun Robinson with 5.5 sacks. Together, the 2023 Penn State Nittany Lions defense is going to be a tough team to play against. Penn State did lose multiple players to the NFL but is still stacked, especially with Carter out there. The aggressive defense worked for Penn State and will continue to be utilized in that way next year.
Penn State LB Abdul Carter (11) – Greg Pickel/BWI
Why Carter is a 2023 Penn State Player to Watch
Carter played just one season with the Penn State Nittany Lions and was able to put up big numbers. Defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, made the defense a force to be reckoned with. In year two with Diaz, it can only be imagined how well Carter will do. As of now, the only big plays that he is missing are interceptions and to be able to score a defensive touchdown. If he can do that in year two, the 2023 Penn State team will do just fine.
Carter staying healthy will be key to him making these big plays. It is clear that when on the field, he produces, but injuries happen in football. He was lucky to avoid any in 2022, and if he can do the same in 2023, expect the Penn State player to be the top guy on the defense. In 2022, Penn State came close to beating Ohio State but gave up in the fourth quarter. The defense got tired and sloppy, and Ohio State took advantage of that. This coming season, with Carter in his second year, Penn State can stop that from happening again.
If the Nittany Lions play how they did last year, and Carter keeps that momentum, the team can go far. Penn State’s defense is their greatest strength. With Abdul Carter returning, they will only get better. To find out who will be the Penn State player to watch on the offense, be sure to read here.
