UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Penn State and every other program, spring games are difficult to evaluate both as a whole and in the minor details. They feature familiar foes against each other yet again, much like weekly battles in practice.
As such, spring games are as close to the real deal as possible given the time of year, and this year’s Blue-White Game did provide a small glimpse into what Penn State should look like this fall.
The Blue-White Game also gave a first look at players who switched positions in the off-season, namely Abdul Carter.
Carter switched from linebacker to defensive end this spring in a move highly anticipated by coaches and players alike.
“Just this is a chance for me to do what I do best which is get after the quarterback,” Carter said. “Play fast and I don’t have to think, just do what I do best and just get paid.”
He looked right at home on the edge routinely making life hell for the left tackle of the Blue squad which should translate rather well against opponents come September.
“At linebacker, it’s more coming downhill and engaging offensive lineman whereas now at defensive end, immediately he’s right in front of me,” Carter said. “There’s definitely a difference there, but there’s nothing that I can’t handle, that I can’t do. I’ve adjusted well it’s just gonna continue to get better.”
Of course, quarterbacks were routinely under duress from Carter though, the stats won’t fully tell his full story.
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to come play in front of the fans, run around a little bit and just have fun,” Carter said.
While it might not seem fun for opponents, it’s certainly something that his teammates will enjoy as it opens up the field for them as well.
“I feel like that’s going to create more space for us backers,” linebacker Tony Rojas said. “Knowing that we have great defensive linemen in front of us, that’s a blessing. That’s why I chose to come to Penn State just guys playing in front of us who make it easy for us, me, Kobe (King) and Dom (DeLuca).”
As for Rojas, who lined up beside Carter last year, he gets a front-row seat for every play Carter makes.
“Just seeing him on film, it’s crazy,” Rojas said. “The spin moves he does, it’s pretty cool.”
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