RB Michael Carter, North Carolina
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 200
HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL): Navarre, FL (Navarre)
247 RATING: .8772
STARS: 3
YEAR: Senior
POSITION RANK: 20
CAREER
Rushing: 358 rushes, 2,159 yards (6.0 ypc), 13 touchdowns
Receiving: 57 catches, 389 yards (6.8 ypc), 4 touchdowns
2019
Rushing: 177 rushes, 1,003 yards (5.7 ypc), 3 touchdowns
Receiving: 21 catches, 154 yards (7.3 ypc), 2 touchdowns
CHECK OUT MY COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERE
Michael Carter Breakdown
Mack Brown’s return to Chapel Hill sparked a positive change in the program, and that included the offense. North Carolina’s passing attack took huge strides, but a two-headed monster emerged in the backfield as well next to quarterback Sam Howell. Michael Carter provided speed and agility to the rushing attack, and he produced a 1,000 yard season.
While his backfield partner, Javonte Williams, brings the power running to the run game, Carter complements him well. He’s the opposite of Williams with his great ability to create openings, but also can break tackles to spring himself loose. Carter’s combination of his vision and acceleration help him find a crease and hit it quickly, getting him to the second level. He’s patient when his blocks are being set up, and that includes when he gets to the secondary defenders. Setting up his blocks is what makes him a dangerous kick returner too (he averaged 24.5 yards per return this year).
Carter added weight to his frame over the past two years, and it’s made him a better back. He’s become more of a power back, which means he won’t run away from defenders. His speed isn’t elite, but he has a little wiggle to him that complements his power well. He’s a decent factor in the passing game (as if they needed another), and putting a back like him in space gives the Heels another weapon. His hands aren’t the greatest, as he fights the ball at times, but it’s sufficient enough.
Carter and Williams give North Carolina a great duo in the backfield, and Carter returns as a 1,000 yard rusher. Carter’s gotten better at taking hits and staying up through contact, and it adds to a Tar Heels offense that returns a ton of its explosive talent from 2019.
