Transformation made, Florida 2024 LB Carter Dalton drawing D-I interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One big hit, one big stop after another – Carter Dalton is putting down ball carriers again this season for Venice High School (Fla.). The Sunshine State powerhouse squad got an impressive junior campaign from their linebacker a year ago but Dalton (6-2, 220) has come back bigger, stronger, and faster showcasing his next level skills.
The Indians proved they were one of Florida’s best teams again last season working to a second consecutive state title game. Along the way, their 2024 backer put down 94 ball carriers, 82 solo, with eight tackles for a loss, a sack, two picks, and four passes broken up.
The stat compilation continues in 2023.
“For me, the season has been awesome,” Dalton said. “I have been very good in pass coverage and containment. I am getting coverage sacks and tackles for a loss. I have 49 solo tackles, 20 assisted, 69 total tackles and I have two passes broken up. We’ve been on a roll with some high scoring games. Our team is coming together; it is showing on Fridays.”
Dalton broke down his responsibilities in the Indians’ defensive scheme.
“I’m mainly in coverage with outside containment as our strong outside linebacker,” Dalton stated.
As one of the leaders on defense, Dalton was asked what he is showcasing this season.
“I am showcasing my explosiveness, speed, quickness, agility, and how quickly I am reading my keys,” Dalton shared.
The tape shows everything, but sometimes key traits to the game can get overlooked.
“My effort,” Dalton said. “I give 100 percent on every play. With my weight gain, I added over 20 pounds from this summer to now, that has helped me on the field making more explosive plays. I am getting off blocks easier and I am controlling receivers; that has helped me, gaining this weight. It has not slowed me down; it has actually been helping me. I think that shows on film.”
The overall transformation has stirred up college football recruiting interest.
“Holy Cross, they are showing the most interest, Pitt State, Gardner Webb, Central Missouri, Middlebury College, and Warner, that’s to name a few,” Dalton said. “I have been keeping contact with them.”
The Indians (6-2) are riding a six-game winning streak with regular season games remaining against IMG Academy White and Clearwater Academy International.
*Click the link for the May 22 RNG interview with Carter Dalton.