Rhode Island transfer Antonio Carter commits to Notre Dame

Just days after seeing some big developments in his recruitment, Antonio Carter decided that it was time to come to a conclusion. The Rhode Island transfer now has an FBS college football home.

The redshirt senior with two years of eligibility remaining will continue his college football career playing for head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame.

thank you Lord, He made it all possible! #Committed #GoIrish🍀@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/k8TDqPDNkV

— Antonio Carter (@AntonioC_viii) May 13, 2023

The Irish beat out LSU, Florida, Ole Miss, and Wisconsin for the coveted defensive back transfer. On Tuesday, Carter canceled his scheduled visit with Kentucky officially taking the Wildcats out of the running in this recruitment. From there, Freeman’s staff turned up the heat and were able to wrap up the versatile defensive back before Mother’s Day arrived.

“It was really just being able to go in there and compete and having an opportunity to play at a top-10 program,” Carter told On3’s Matt Zenitz. “On the flip side, just getting a great education and building relationships with people that will help me in the long run. That was something me and my family looked at. Not just the football aspect of it, but for the rest of my life, and that was something that was big for me.”

“Everything was quality (with the visit). Just walking around and being on campus, it was just a very chill vibe. I think that’s something I need. That’s something I was looking for as far as locking in and getting things done for me. I think that’s the type of environment I need to be around. They all have the same to offer as far as football and I think they stood out more as far as the education aspect and the relationships that I’ll have for the rest of my life. That stood out. So that’s what made it different.”

Despite a late push from Florida, Carter is going to the school that he believes is the best fit for him. However, it wasn’t all bad for Kentucky’s defense this weekend. The Wildcats landed Northern Illinois transfer Daveren Rayner. The former MAC linebacker will immediately add quality depth to the off-ball linebacker position.

The Wildcats currently have 14 scholarship defensive backs on the 2023 roster. However, the program is likely not done roster-building with a couple of open scholarships still available.