The Penn State Nittany Lions took down Illinois in Week 5, 21-7. Abdul Carter was expected to be a superstar for the Nittany Lions’ defense this year. He stepped up in a massive win in the battle of unbeaten Big Ten programs. After his incredible performance, Carter was honored with a number of Player of the Week honors.
Abdul Carter Racks Up National Player of the Week Honors After Week 5
In the win over Illinois, Carter was everywhere for the Nittany Lions. In total, he led the way with seven tackles (four solo tackles), two sacks, four tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. As a team, Penn State harassed the Illini offense. It finished with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss thanks to Carter’s effort.
Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. This week, it was Abdul Carter who was awarded. Carter was initially named to the preseason Nagurski Trophy watchlist. Carter joins Jackson Woodard (UNLV), Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky), Carlton Johnson (Fresno State), Ron Stone, Jr. (Washington State), and Travis Hunter (Colorado).
In addition, Carter was named as the Week 5 Bednarik Award Player of the Week. He joins Kevin Winston, Jr. (Penn State), Xavier Scott (Illinois), Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Virginia Tech), and Josaiah Stewart (Michigan).
🏈 @PennStateFball ‘s @1NCRDB1 is the #BednarikAward Player of the Week.#MaxwellFootball @cfbdawgs pic.twitter.com/HVT1S9T7XV
— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) October 1, 2024
Each week, the Big Ten honors its own players of the week. Carter took home the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors. He joins Kevin Winston, Jr. (Penn State), Xavier Scott (Illinois), Dante Trader, Jr. (Maryland), and Josaiah Stewart (Michigan).
Finally, the Senior Bowl names players of the week each week, and Carter shared the Week 5 honor with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton. Other honorees thus far this year include Jalon Walker (Georgia), Nick Martin (Oklahoma State), Savon Revel, Jr. (East Carolina), and Josaiah Stewart (Michigan).
Carter and the Nittany Lions play host to UCLA this week. Penn State will look for more of the same from its star defender.
