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Penn State Football

James Franklin Congratulates Abdul Carter on Draft Night

The health of Penn State DE Abdul Carter is a big storyline going into Penn State-Notre Dame Thursday, Jan. 9.
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Defensive End Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after a big play during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Boise State Broncos College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31,2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire)

Abdul Carter has officially been drafted.

The New York Giants selected Penn Stateโ€™s All-American pass rusher No. 3 overall at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.ย 

Penn State coach James Franklin was scheduled to be at the draft with Carter and congratulated his star defensive lineman on going pro.ย 

โ€œProud of you, Abdul!โ€ Franklin posted on social media. โ€œYouโ€™ve never backed down from a challenge and this next step will be no different.โ€

Carter finished sixth all-time in sacks as a Nittany Lion (23) after a 12-sack campaign last season. He also ranks eighth in tackles for loss (39.5) and tied for 12th in forced fumbles (5).

โ€œThe Giants are getting a tough, resilient player โ€“ go make the most of it!โ€ Franklin continued on Twitter. โ€œWeโ€™re thankful for everything you brought to this team. Happy Valley will always be home! #WeAreโ€

Carter closed 2024 with 68 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four pass breakups, four passes defended and two forced fumbles.ย 

The last Penn State player the Giants selected in the first round was running back Saquon Barkley, second overall in 2018.

The 2025 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday, the same day as the 2025 Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium.

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