Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter misses out on Bednarik Award to Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is not the winner of the 2024 Chuck Bednarik Award. The honor goes nationally to the nation’s best defensive player. Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter claimed the honor this year. He was one of three finalists along with Carter and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The last Nittany Lion to win the award was linebacker Dan Connor, who is currently a PSU analyst, in 2007. Before him, newly-minted College Football Hall of Fame member Paul Posluszny won the honor in 2006. And, ‘Linebacker U’ great LaVar Arrington claimed it in 1999.
Carter had a banner first season at a new position for Penn State. After earning All-Big ten honors in consecutive years at linebacker, the Lions moved him to defensive end ahead of spring practice. It took some time for things to start clicking on game day. But, once they did, Carter flourished. He finished with a team-high 19.5 tackles for loss, which is second among Power Four players and first in the Big Ten. His 10 sacks were also a team-high and the 12th most nationally. Carter also earned three pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles in addition to 60 tackles on the season.
Penn State star Abdul Carter will earn other recognition moving forward
Carter has already made numerous All-American teams and figures to only make more over the days and weeks ahead. The Big Ten also named him its defensive player of the year. And, the Associated Press also called him the top defender in the league.
“When you watch the tape, the guy is impactful,” Penn State coach James Franklin said in November. “Whether it’s sacks, whether it’s tackles for loss, whether it’s holding calls, whether it is obvious that they have a specific plan in how they’re trying to limit his impact, keeping tight ends in, keeping running backs in, always sliding in his direction so there’s double-team between the tackle and the guard. Like he is impacting the game in a number of ways. Which, creates opportunities for other guys on our defensive line and within our defense. And, causes a lot of headaches.
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“So he’s been great. His attitude’s been great. He is coachable. He is becoming more and more of a leader every single day.”
Carter projects to leave school early and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Current media mocks call him a top five pick at best and a top 15 selection at worse. He is all but guaranteed to go in the first round barring anything unforeseen. And, his position switch is a big reason why.
