Interview: 4-Star 2021 Virginia DE Bryce Carter Updates Recruiting and Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Because high school football is unlike college football where a team can recruit across the country to bring in offensive line talent and unlike the NFL where desired players can be signed to bolster a roster, sometimes offensive coordinators are dealt bad luck when coming up against unstoppable guys like defensive end/tackle Bryce Carter. Carter (6-3, 245) spent the 2018 season ruining 6A Virginia offenses filling out the stat sheet with 100 stops, 60 solo, along with 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks, batted down three passes, and pressured the quarterback 11 times. The 2019 season has picked up with the same intensity for the four-star Class of 2021 recruit helping his Thomas Dale High School squad to a 58-0 opening game win against Cosby by putting an end to eight plays with two sacks, and one of those was for a safety.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the nine-offer recruit talking about the start to his junior season with an update on his recruiting process.

*Click link for May 5, 2019, RNG interview with Bryce Cater

Interview

Bryce, we last spoke as you were entering your summer workouts. What did you work on with your game over the summer to prepare for the 2019 season?

“I worked on my hand-placement; that is one big thing coaches have talked to me about improving upon. I need to use my hands more and be more active with them. I worked on my takeoff and reaction time as well.”

The Knights got their first test of the season against Cosby with a big 58-0 win. How did the game go for you?

“I think it went really well. We came in mentally set to play at our level, not to their level. We wanted to get on them quick. I had a big game, but we were only in for about two quarters; the second string came in after that. We came into the game ready to ball out. We were ready.”

Where are you seeing the improvements in your game with the work put in over the offseason?

“I am seeing the improvements with my take-off speed – I am in the backfield more than last year already, and I am taking on double teams and beating them.”

Did you show off the skills at any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to a Clemson. I did about seven reps at that camp and won six of them. They are recruiting me now and keeping up with me. They said they are excited to start the process with me. I also went to an Adidas Rivals camp, an Under Armour All-American camp, and an Opening regional.”

What was the best 40-yard dash you posted this offseason?

“My best was a 4.8.”

With the season beginning, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Michigan State, Penn State, Clemson, West Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisville, and Notre Dame.”

Nice. How many offers do you have?

“I have nine offers.”

Carter’s Offer Sheet (9): Duke, East Carolina, Liberty, N.C. State, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest

Did you take any visits over the summer months?

“Yes. I visited UVA (Virginia), Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and I just came back from the N.C. State game – that was very nice.”

Being the home state programs, how did the UVA visit go?

“It went great. It is always good going to UVA. The coaches are cool and their facilities are nice. The mentality there – I like how young they are and what they are building. Their head coach (Bronco Mendenhall) is the real deal. I love it down there.”

Tell me about the Virginia Tech visit.

“Same things as UVA. The coaching staff and players, the mentality everyone has, it is great there. They are chill. Their head coach (Justin Fuente), I love him. Last time I as there he took me on the tour of the campus; that was the best tour guide I have ever had.”

Are you planning on getting out to any campuses this season?

“I am trying to go to ECU (East Carolina) for a game, I might be going to the North Carolina/Miami game on Saturday, and Notre Dame. I might hit two schools in the same visit – either Michigan and Ohio State or Michigan State and Ohio State.”

Back to football. You guys go on the road come Friday to take on Bird. What kind of game are you expecting in that one?

“That is another game for us to show up and play. This is a rivalry game. The seniors are ready to handle business. We want our seniors to go out with a bang. I will do my best to make sure the seniors get a win in this game.”

What are some of the other big matchups for you and the Knights this season?

“Hopewell will be a big one. They are looking good. They have a four-star running back (TreVeyon Henderson) and they are balling out this season. I know they have a lot of seniors.”

When the season is finished, what will you have accomplished on and off the field?

“My goals it to always push myself to the limit. I set high goals for myself, I want the school sack record and I want more tackles than I had last year. I want to have a bigger impact for my team. The ultimate goal is a championship. I want to try to get that ring this season and send the seniors out with a bang.”

Bryce, I appreciate your time today and hope you can accomplish the goals you have set forth.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Carter family; Bryce Carter at N.C. State and Virginia Tech