Penn State DE Abdul Carter Named Bednarik, Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week

The national recognition is rolling in for Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. On Tuesday, Carter was named the national player of the week by both the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Trophy. Both awards annually recognize the nation’s top defensive player at season’s end.

Carter was also named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week for his breakthrough performance in the Nittany Lions’ 21-7 win over Illinois on Saturday. Carter tallied seven tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in the victory.

Carter, in his first season since switching from linebacker to defensive end, is now tied for the Big Ten-lead with 6.5 tackles for loss.

“I think the good thing is, I think it’s just going to get better, right?” James Franklin said Monday. “The transition from linebacker to defensive end is a significant one. He’s done some really good things already, but I think as he gets more comfortable there, … I think you’re just going to see him become more and more impactful each week.”