On Thursday, Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter made a surprising announcement. The All-ACC standout announced that instead of going into the NFL Draft, he will return to Clemson.
Carter announced his decision on social media, posting it on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
With that decision came a lengthy reflection.
“Being a Clemson Tiger has been the greatest gift God has given me,” Carter said. He went on to thank those closest to him for putting him in the position he’s in now.
“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!”
Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter announces on his Instagram that he's coming back for his senior season. pic.twitter.com/uDRf6I3Tpt
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) December 7, 2023
Carter earned First Team All-ACC honors after his terrific 2022 sophomore season. He followed that up with Second Team All-ACC honors this past season, which fueled speculation he could be a high NFL Draft pick. He was ranked .by some as one of the top linebackers in the class, if not the very best at his position at weakside.
But instead of venturing to the pros, he’ll be playing at Clemson for one more go-around. As is his right, and if he feels business is unfinished, then he should take care of what he wants to take care of. The Tigers will likely be chasing Florida State for the ACC crown again next season, so we’ll see how that area plays out.
Best of luck to Carter in his upcoming senior season at Clemson.
[Jon Blau]
