New Jets running back Michael Carter is not afraid to get down and dirty to make a block.
Carter was taken in the fourth round out of North Carolina by the Jets in the 2021 NFL draft. He’s only 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds and is known more for his explosiveness as a ball carrier, but he does have the ability to block. When asked about it, Carter said blocking is a “strength” of his game.
“I’m more than willing to put my nose in there and block,” Carter said, per SNY. “I’m not scared of anybody.”
That’s the kind of toughness the Jets are looking for at the running back position. Not every running back is willing to put their body in front of a big defender to make a block. Some are strictly ball carriers, so Carter is bringing a well-rounded skillset to New York.
Carter’s main job, though, will be running with the football, and he did a great job of that at UNC. The Tar Heels used a running back by committee in 2020, and Carter was the No. 2 back behind Broncos draftee Javonte Williams. Carter still ran for 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns.
For Carter’s entire college career, he totaled 3,404 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns, 656 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also added 650 kickoff return yards.
Carter will once again join a running back committee with the Jets. They have five running backs on the roster now, including La’Mical Perine, Ty Johnson, Tevin Coleman, Josh Adams and Carter. The Jets probably won’t go into the 2021 season with all five on the 53-man roster, though.
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