Recruiting Spotlight: Chase Carter – SMB (2022)
One of the hottest college recruits in Minnesota’s 2022 class is the SMB Wolfpack’s, Chase Carter Chase Carter 6'6" | 220 lbs | DL SMB | 2022 State MN . After a solid junior season, Division I schools came knocking,…
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Continue ReadingOne of the hottest college recruits in Minnesota’s 2022 class is the SMB Wolfpack’s, Chase Carter Chase Carter 6'6" | 220 lbs | DL SMB | 2022 State MN . After a solid junior season, Division I schools came knocking, and they likely won’t stop knocking until Signing Day.
Coming off two straight Prep Bowl appearances, by the Wolfpack’s standards, their 3-3 season wasn’t what the program was used to.
“We struggled at times,” Carter admitted. “It helped build us character-wise and player-wise. Losing all those guys from (the back-to-back Prep Bowl teams) hurt us at times because we were used to them making plays. We had to have different guys step up, and it put a target on our back. Everyone wants to beat SMB. The season was full of ups and downs. It helped build us and is going to help us in the long run – especially because we are bringing a lot of guys back next year.”
Especially during their three wins, defense and the running game keyed the team’s success.
“If we got (running back) Sanjay (Redd) going, it opened up our play-action and our quick passing game,” Carter said. “On defense – a lot of our success depended on me getting to the ball and getting pressure on the quarterback. The key to our defense has always been upfront.”
Carter played all over the defensive front seven.
“I mostly lined up at strong-side defensive end this year. I played a little bit of defensive tackle. Because of guys missing time, there was a lot of moving around on the defensive line this year. I played a little bit of outside linebacker too. Nose guard was the only spot on the defensive line I didn’t play.”
Although he filled in for two games at offensive tackle – playing both ways – Carter’s strength is the defensive side of the ball.
“My biggest strength is my pass-rushing ability. I feel like I have always been quicker than the guy in front of me. Using my quickness and my length to get past them and get to the quarterback is my biggest strength.”
The 6’7″ 215-pound junior knows where he needs to focus this off-season.
“I need to add some weight and strength, so I am better against the run. If I want to play at the highest level in college and be a three-down lineman, I have to be able to take on two blockers and still be able to make a play. I need to work on not wasting steps and have a bigger impact in the run game.”
The two-year starter in football will not be able to focus on football until after basketball season.
“Basketball season is going good,” Carter told prepredzonemn.com. “We are 14-1. I am a glue guy on the team. If it is scoring, rebounding, defense, passing, whatever the team needs each game.”
Once the basketball season wraps up, football becomes the focus.
“I am going to be doing a lot of mobility stuff – being able to maintain quickness while gaining weight.”
It is safe to say Carter’s senior season of football will not be his last.
“Recruiting is going good,” Carter said. “I have been talking to some schools. A lot of schools believe that I have barely scratched the surface, and there is a lot more they can help me develop. Building relationships with the coaches has been great too.”
“Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, Central Michigan, and Iowa State have all offered me,” Carter continued. “I have also talked to Minnesota, Ole Miss, Air Force, Vanderbilt, and Liberty – schools like that.”
Carter expects to play multiple defensive positions again during his senior year – which will work well with what colleges want to see.
“Some schools see me as a defensive lineman, and some see me as a linebacker. They like my size and length. There are not a lot of guys who have my build and can move like me. There is a lot of room for me to grow into my body, and they see how I can keep getting better.”
As he grows into his frame, it will be interesting to see how Carter’s offers keep getting better.