Dequece Carter Out to Prove He Belongs at the Power Five Level

Dequece Carter runs through drills Image: Indiana Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana Hoosier wide receiver DeQuece Carter just joined the program over the summer, but he is ready to make the move from the FCS to the Power Five after a standout career at Fordham.

“That was one of the big reasons why I came here. You know, obviously you got exposure at FCS level, but just taking that step up, I really want to prove myself and make my name.” Carter said after practice on Monday.

Carter started 38 career games with the rams and finished fourth all-time in Fordham history in touchdown receptions (31) and sits third all-time in Fordham history in receiving yardage (3,035) and closed his career eighth in receptions (176) in the Fordham record books. He also tied a Fordham single-game record with 14 receptions to become one of eight Fordham pass catchers to post a 200-yard receiving game (218 yards).

New wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator Anthony Tucker cited Carter’s maturity and veteran presence as assets in making his transition to the FBS easier.

“Maturity. He’s a graduate transfer, he’s got a great, mature presence about him.” Tucker said. ”Really positive guy. He’s really fit in with our team fast. He’s really smart … he has really picked up what we’re doing and how we do things. He’s perfect for what our culture is here. He’s fit in our locker room really well.”

The transition to the Power Five level is going smoothly for Carter who had experience playing against Nebraska while he was at Fordham.

“We played against Nebraska, my junior year. Yeah, you know, and that was fun. That was the year right after COVID. So they packed the house you know, it was something different from what I was used to being at Fordham but not too different in terms of like on the field, you know, block everything out the yellow and all that stuff. So I think that was a good eye opening experience.” Carter said.

According to Carter, getting used to the speed of Power Five football will be the biggest challenge of making the step up in competition.

Carter is fitting right in at IU as well, even with his recent arrival.

“We joke around all the time and when it is time to get serious, we really get focused. [As a wide receivers unit] we have been serious about our extra work. That nitty gritty culture [is what this program is about]. Coach [Tom] Allen always says dirty hard work in the dark. That is something that we live by and I really take that serious.” Carter said.

The hope is that Carter’s dirty, hard work pays off this season in sparking the IU aerial attack.