New Edge Rusher Andre Carter Taking on a Leadership Role Since Arriving in Bloomington

Image: 247 Sports

Written by: Zachary Greene (@zachegreene)

Newest edge rusher Andre Carter met with the media today for the first time on Friday. He was open and honest in discussing his past and upbringing. Carter's dream was always to play at this level, and he is making the most of it by taking a leadership role and playing with a chip on his shoulder.

“I started taking a leadership role and captain role as soon as I stepped foot on campus.” Carter said. “During my official visit, I was trying to get to know guys and see where we were in the defensive line room. Just being a leader by example and by hard work. I am very excited with the group of guys and men that we have.”

Carter's drive is powered by his mother whom he has had to battle through the loss of loved ones with. Making his mom happy keeps him moving forward. It has made him play with a chip on his shoulder while on the field.

“What gets me up and going in the morning is my mother. I had a rough beginning of my life. I lost my brother, and I also lost my sister growing up in Detroit, Michigan.” Carter explained. “Putting a smile on my mother’s face and seeing how far we’ve come and where I started. It’s another chip and motivation to get up in the morning. The relationship and the life lessons that I get to learn from this sport is tremendous.”

Carter lost two loved ones who matter the most in his life, but he found another love here in Bloomington where he felt it was the right fit and could take on a leadership role for his last season of college football.

“The trajectory and the culture shift when I came here for my visit. Seeing the guys and the staff want to get better and want to compete for a Big Ten Championship. I want to compete at the highest level and for a Big Ten championship. With Coach Allen and this group of guys, I believe that we can get it done.” Carter said.

The Hoosiers have had an identity, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and Carter wants to add to it, especially in an aspect where the Hoosiers need production.

“I will be playing defensive end and rushing the edge. They are going to try and keep me on the edge as much as possible.” Carter said. “They will be using myself as a high-level pass rush but I’m an every-down player. First down, second down, third down. Coach Allen and Coach Randolph want to see me rushing the edge.”

Since arriving on campus, Carter has been focusing on putting in extra effort because he knows this is his last shot.

“I’m just attacking it a lot harder than I did last season. Just starting the year off a lot harder and faster. Putting in extra work and time with the playbook and film.” Carter said. “I increased my body weight by 30 pounds within the last year. I was 240 and I am 270 now. Keep improving on my mobility and flexibility and things in that nature.”

Carter will have one season to prove his production at the Big Ten level after a very productive career at Western Michigan.