Player Spotlight: Kyle Carter

Story posted October 19, 2012 in CommRadio, Sports by Zachary Lacher

Penn State travels to Iowa City this weekend to take on 402 Iowa. As the Nittany Lions prepare for the game, tight end Kyle Carter looks to continue his dominance as one of the nation's top tight-ends.

This week Carter was added to a list of names that are under the watch for this year's John Mackey Award, which is awarded to the nation's best tight end. If Carter continues his dominance he can become the first Nittany Lion to win the Mackey in the award's 12 year history.

"It feels great getting honored," Carter told ESPN's Josh Moyer in a recent interview. "But it's not something I put on my mind in the beginning of the year."

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound red shirt tight end has accumulated 279 yards on 23 receptions, averaging 12.1 yards a catch and a touchdown through the team's first six games this season. Aside from star wide receiver Allen Robinson, Carter has been quarterback Matt McGloin's best target.

But what makes Carter so valuable is what he does outside the numbers. By using his physicality and outstanding football intelligence he creates plays for not just for himself, but also opens opportunities for his team mates. Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien called Carter an "instinctive and talented young player that we are lucky to have," while praising Carter's toughness.

Working hard day in and day out, Carter has been recognized as a potential great and through his work ethic can very well become one of the greats to graduate of the university. Carter achieved a cumulative 3.15 GPA after this past spring semester, making him a potential Academic All Big-Ten Honoree. Being a sophomore, Carter still has much to learn, but his great work ethic has put him in a prime position for success.

Zachary Lacher is a junior majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email zjl5023@psu.edu.