'Physically gifted' Penn State defender Abdul Carter is 'naturally growing' into his new positon, Chuck Losey says
STATE COLLEGE — A few weeks back, Penn State publically signaled its plan to move All-Big Ten defender Abdul Carter from linebacker to defensive end. However, internally, the first big switch made by new defensive coordinator Tom Allen and the Nittany Lions’ staff has been in the works for awhile. Head strength coach Chuck Losey discussed the pass rusher Thursday during his first chat with reporters in 2024 as the team wraps up winter workouts ahead of spring break. And, while the change is significant from the outside looking in, the work inside of the Lasch Building was normal in January and February.
“No process,” Losey said when asked about any changes to Carter’s workout regime. “No plan. Abdul, is a physiclaly gifted kid. His body can pretty much go in whatever direction we want it to. So for me to stand here and say, well, we got this plan to put 20 pounds on, I mean, he’s still a young guy who’s only going to be in his third year. His frame is still filling out. So, he’s naturally growing into that position.”
Carter enters his third season at Penn State this year. He has also racked up 104 tackles (16 for loss) and 11 sacks. A member of multi True Freshman All-American teams back in 2022, he added first-team all-conference honors to his list of accolades in 2023 and was a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated
Carter’s former Penn State teammates are excited about his position switch
Three of Carter’s former Penn State teammates spoke about the position switch at the NFL Combine on Wednesday. And, all see it as a positive for the player and the program.
“I think he’ll be excellent,” Adisa Isaac said. “He’s kind of a unique skill set where you can plug and play him anywhere. I feel like him moving to end is going to heighten what he can do on the field even to a higher spectrum.
“Obviously it takes a little more technique at d-end. It’s a little different kind of mindset. But you know, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem for him at all moving to d-end and having that upside at d-end as well.”
Added Chop Robinson:
“I think he’s going to do great. To me, he’s a natural guy at football, so wherever you put him, I think he’ll make a great impact.”
“We talked here and there, [and] we mainly talked about checking up with each other. We haven’t really talked about ball. But I know if he needs some tips, he’ll come to me. And, I’ll also come to him, because he’s good at pass rushing himself.”
