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Barrett Carter Proves Dabo Swinney Right at NFL Combine

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The former Clemson linebacker turned heads with his impressive on-field drills, earning high praise from NFL Network’s Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah. But he wasn’t just making an impression on analysts—his former head coach, Dabo Swinney, had nothing but glowing words about him.

During the broadcast, Jeremiah revealed that he received a text from Swinney about Carter, a moment Eisen called an "honor." Jeremiah jokingly admitted that he might have texted Swinney first, eager to hear what the Clemson coach had to say about one of his standout defenders. Swinney has always been vocal about Carter’s leadership, work ethic, and ability to make plays at a high level, and his comments reinforced why the linebacker is such a coveted prospect.

A former five-star recruit out of Suwanee, Georgia, Carter lived up to the hype at Clemson. He capped off his career as a first-team All-ACC selection and a third-team AP All-American in 2024 while also finishing as a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. Known for his versatility and instincts, Carter has consistently shown he can be a difference-maker on the field.

At 6-foot, 231 pounds, Carter ranked fourth among linebackers in the Combine’s production score and eighth in total score. His athleticism and high football IQ make him an intriguing NFL prospect, and his ability to shine in drills without running the 40 only adds to his appeal.

Beyond the numbers, Carter embodies the culture Swinney has built at Clemson. He’s a leader on and off the field, frequently visiting schools to read to kids and volunteering with at-risk teens through “Our Friend Christopher,” a program named in honor of his late friend and teammate.

With Dabo Swinney in his corner and a strong showing at the Combine, Carter has solidified himself as a top linebacker prospect. Now, it’s just a matter of which NFL team will call his name on draft day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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