The New Twist in the Abdul Carter-Micah Parsons Comparison
For months, fans and analysts alike have drawn comparisons between Penn State football’s Abdul Carter and former Nittany Lions star Micah Parsons. The two players share remarkable talent, but recent developments have revealed that their styles—and futures—are distinctly different.
Abdul Carter’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of impressive. After a standout sophomore year, he exploded onto the national scene in his junior season, earning All-American honors and being named the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. It’s no surprise that some have speculated he could be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, especially after leading the nation with 24 tackles for loss.
Yet, despite the obvious similarities between Carter and Parsons, such as their elite athleticism and disruptive playmaking ability, one assistant coach who faced Penn State offered an intriguing new comparison: Von Miller.
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, the coach explained, “He reminds me of Von Miller. He’s really bendy around the edge and such a speed rusher. He’s slippery enough to make your tackle completely whiff, and it’s a TFL.” This comparison adds a unique angle to the conversation, highlighting Carter’s ability to use his speed and agility to get past blockers—something that sets him apart from Parsons, who relies more on his physicality and power.
The coach went on to further differentiate the two, noting that while Parsons thrives on inside moves, counters, and sheer strength, Carter is more focused on using his speed to exploit the edge. “Abdul is really trying to win with speed around the edge,” the coach continued, emphasizing the difference in their approaches to rushing the quarterback.
This new comparison to Von Miller paints a picture of Carter as a dynamic, high-speed edge rusher, with a style that may be even more refined than the comparisons to Parsons suggested. While both players have the potential to dominate on the field, it’s clear that Carter’s playing style offers a fresh, exciting twist that could make him a force to be reckoned with in both college football and the NFL. As the draft approaches, expect this discussion to evolve further, with Abdul Carter continuing to carve out his own unique identity in the world of elite pass rushers.