Andre Carter making an immediate impact playing with certain edge and hunger

Western Michigan transfer defensive end Andre Carter came to Indiana with the expectation of stepping in and making an immediate impact. And through three months since stepping on campus, he’s done exactly that.

Following the end of spring practice on Saturday, Indiana head coach Tom Allen had high praise for Carter — naming him co-defensive MVP of the team.

“I would say, as we recognize there, he (Andre Carter) was the MVP of the defense, he and Noah,” Allen said on Saturday. “It was that way about every day. He is 270 pounds. He is the biggest, most physical one we’ve had here since I’ve been here. Very, very disruptive.”

Carter’s physical stature is not the only thing that stands out. It’s his effectiveness and productivity throughout his entire career thus far. In 47 career games, he’s totaled 134 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.

In 2022, he had 70 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Despite all of his success prior to Indiana, there was still a learning curve coming from the MAC to the Big Ten — in addition to the stylistic approach that Indiana has.

“The backs are a lot faster than what I thought they would be,” Carter said before the spring game. “The type of plays that we run are a lot more stretched out, so it’s a pretty big difference than what I come from as far as reading things, so I’ve actually got to play a lot faster and make sure my stance is a lot more getting off the ball type of a stance … it took a good minute (to adjust), but once I got it, I got it.”

Carter’s IQ and skillset allows him to play multiple positions. That versatility is something that the Indiana football staff is utilizing early and often.

At 6-foot-5 and 273 pounds, Carter has now played every position on the defensive line this spring.

Despite his dominant spring session, Indiana head coach Tom Allen knows he can still get more from Carter — and needs more.

“Got to get him in elite shape. He is not there yet,” Allen said. ” … So, it’s about I think even just the details of his technique that he’ll improve this summer as well.”

Indiana gave up 33.9 points per game in 2022 — last in the Big Ten. It also had just 20 sacks, ranked 11th in the league. Andre Carter’s addition to the defensive line will likely improve both immediately.

“Yeah, he is a very good football player. Glad he is with us now,” Allen added. “He has a chance to prove that he belongs in the Big Ten.”

And the message is clear for Andre Carter. Bring an edge and hunger to get better every day.

“When I made my visit, it was obvious the players and staff want to get better and compete for a Big Ten championship,” Carter said earlier this spring.”That’s the exact thing I want to do. I want to compete at the highest levels. I believe we can get it done.

“I’m loving how every day we’re coming to attack, coming to swarm, be better than the next day,” he added last week. “We’re never satisfied with the day we had, so we’re always trying to come more takeovers, more sacks, more TFL’s (tackles for loss), more fumble recoveries. I love the edge we’re coming to practice with everyday.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana football enters phase two of prep work as a critical summer approaches

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