James Franklin explains Abdul Carter’s transition from linebacker to defensive end

Penn State defensive star Abdul Carter is making a big change for the 2024 season, moving from off ball linebacker to playing as a down defensive end for the Nittany Lions. And the decision to do so wasn’t forced upon Carter, according to his head coach.

Speaking with reporters as spring practice got underway, head coach James Franklin shared that Carter wanted to move into a spot where he could be affecting opposing quarterbacks down to down. It’s a big departure from his mindset coming into Penn State.

“It’s kind of interesting,” Franklin said. “I remember when we recruited Abdul, I thought he was a defensive end. And Abdul and dad were adamant that he was a linebacker. The reality is we just wanted him in our program and knew he was going to be a really good player wherever he decided to play. But this wasn’t really something from us. This was Abdul really wanted to make this move. I think for a number of reasons. And we’re excited about it.”

And though Carter has elite twitch and the sort of length and power to succeed consistently off the edge, Franklin isn’t expecting instantaneous success.

“So I think has a chance to be a win-win for everybody and I know Abdul’s excited about it and we’re looking forward to having the opportunity to work with him,” Franklin said. “But it is a big change. He’s never really done this before. And it is a big change. It’s not just like you make the decision to move and you snap your fingers and automatically you’re a defensive end. It’s a different world the closer you get to the ball. Just like it’s a different world if you move back to the secondary. So we’re excited about watching his development and growth and should be exciting.”

Moving Carter to the edge of the defensive line also comes at a time when Penn State is graduating or losing top edge rushers to the NFL draft.

Given the newfound need for snaps at the position, it made even more sense to move Carter closer to the ball going forward.

“But obviously being able to inject Abdul into that room, as well, I think is going to be a positive for us, as well,” Franklin said. “He was really kind of on the bubble of struggling to keep his weight in the linebacker, him and Kobe, they’ve been right around 250, above or below for a while. So I think his body was naturally telling him he could make the move if he needed to and wanted to. And there’s an opportunity there. So having depth and talent and the type of length that we want at the defensive end position, I think this is going to be kind of a win-win for everybody. So, I think the other thing is, with our linebacker situation, I think we’ve created some pretty good depth there and then obviously the ability to play a little bit more nickel as well. Those things, I think, help.”