Clemson football received some much-needed good news on Thursday with an announcement from junior linebacker Barrett Carter that he will return to the Tigers for his senior season.
Carter’s announcement comes following the departures of linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and cornerback Nate Wiggins to the NFL draft, and the decisions of multiple players, including junior All-ACC safety Andrew Mukuba to transfer elsewhere.
Carter’s return immediately helps stabilize the linebacking core, which would have been permeated with youth and inexperience in 2024. One of the Tigers’ most seasoned defenders, Carter has played in 37 games during his three-year Clemson career with 25 starts. In total, he has tallied 82 solo tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and two pass interceptions.
Carter was one of the highest-rated linebackers in the country as a sophomore, posting career highs in tackles (73), tackles for loss (10.5), and sacks (5.5) and was projected as a day one selection in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Barrett regressed slightly during the 2023 season and watched his draft projection fall to the third or fourth round.
Returning to Clemson means more for Carter than just improving his professional prospects, however. Just as others have done before him, Barrett has unfinished business he would like to attend to.
“Being a Clemson Tiger has been the greatest gift God has given me,” wrote Carter in a statement posted to Instagram. “Having the opportunity to play for this program for the past three years has been a privilege, and I am so grateful to everyone that’s been a part of my journey. I am reminded every day just how much I’ve grown, not only as a player, but as a man and it’s thanks to you.”
Barrett Carter
Carter went on to thank his coaches, teammates, Clemson fans, and family for always believing in him and for the support everyone has shown him. He concluded his statement with the following message.
“After careful consideration and a lot of prayer, I’ve decided that I have some unfinished business to attend to. Therefore, I will be returning for my senior year at Clemson to finish what I have started. Go Tigers!”
Barrett Carter
The Clemson defense will be in good hands next season with Carter, a second team All-ACC selection this season, remaining in the fold. As Dabo Swinney says, “the best is yet to come.” For Carter and the Tigers, that could very well be the case.
