Michigan State hosts versatile Western Carolina OL grad transfer Caleb Carter

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A two-way standout in high school for North Carolina’s Southwest Onslow (Jacksonville), the versatility and athleticism in the trenches continued for Caleb Carter in the collegiate ranks. Suiting up for Western Carolina since the 2021 season, the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection has played all five o-line positions for the Catamounts. The skill, talent, and road grading abilities has Carter (6-3, 310) cruising to 30 scholarship offers with visits being taken to Power Four teams.

If you are unfamiliar with Western Carolina’s offense, a direct line can be traced back to Kade Bell. The current Pitt Panthers offensive coordinator installed the same scheme while in Cullowhee.

“We were running a pro-style offense,” Carter stated. “We run the same offense as Pitt. Coach Bell was our OC (2021-23) before going to Pitt. We run the same type of offense – pass heavy and looking to score fast.”

Carter continued speaking about how he was utilized with the Catamounts, “I played all five positions this year. I started five games at right guard, three at right tackle, and the other four at left tackle. I played center in one game after someone got hurt. I started at guard rotating right to left.”

To the average football fan, the idea of playing one position on the offensive line extending easily to all positions is a miss. The footwork from one side to the other is completely different, the mental approach each play changes, and snapping is no picnic in the park.

“I am technically sound,” Carter shared. “I am good with my hands, and I have finesse in the passing game. I’d say I am technically sound, athletic, and well balanced as an offensive lineman.”

The beast mode mentality at the snap of the ball is aided by the effort put in the weight room. Carter reports a 430-pound bench max, 580 on squat, and power clean at 300.

“My strengths as an offensive lineman – my footwork, my hands, staying low, staying low at the point of attack, getting to the second level, and moving guys,” Carter said. “Those are all pluses for me.”

NC State, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech are a couple of the nonconference teams Western Carolina has taken on while Carter was on the roster.

Playing against power programs let Carter know just how good he is, “Playing against those teams told me that I am good enough to do it at a high level.”

On that next school, Carter delved into that fit, “The scheme will play a big role and my development. I want to play in the NFL; I want to be developed the best that I can before going to the NFL.”

Interest in Carter’s skills is off the charts.

“I have over 20 offers,” Carter stated. “I have 20 to 25 offers. Michigan State, Wake Forest, Arizona, I just got Marshall, USF, TCU, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Toledo, and San Diego State are some of the teams that have offered me.”

Visits seeking to find that next program are already underway.

“I just got done with one,” Carter said. “I am driving home from a Michigan State visit. I was there yesterday. I will be at Wake Forest on Wednesday, and at Arizona on Friday and Saturday.”

More information on his time with the Spartans was given, “It went well. I really enjoyed the coaching staff, and I like their scheme.”

Carter previewed his in-state visit with the Demon Deacons.

“I like their coaches; they have been cool,” Carter shared. “I can tell it is a good environment there from being on the phone with them. I have heard about Wake since I was little, it would be awesome going there.”

Conversations with Wildcats’ offensive line coach Josh Oglesby has Carter heading to Tucson.

“Their o-line coach, he is very cool,” Carter explained. “I talked to him last week; he jumped out to me. He’s a really good dude. Arizona is showing a lot of interest. They offered me, and he offered me to play for him; I don’t want to turn down that opportunity to go to Arizona.”

Carter has a degree in marketing and will do postgraduate work furthering his acumen in business.

Photo credits: Carter family – Caleb Carter at Western Carolina.

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