2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Michael Carter, RB, University of North Carolina

Michael Carter is from the panhandle in Florida, and grew up very close to Mobile, Alabama. He should be a shoe in for the Senior Bowl and I would not be surprised if he ends up being the best running back at the event.

Carter was the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year in the State of Florida as a high schooler. He dominated while at Navarre High School. He posted 3,345 all-purpose yards and scored 45 touchdowns as a senior.

The most impressive part of Carter’s game is he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Since his freshman year, he has been involved in the passing game. That is one of the most important attributes you can have as a running back, because in the NFL backs that can receive are transforming the league.

He has 78 career receptions at UNC, for 618 yards and has scored 6 times out of the air. Carter also added 474 rushing attempts for 2,966 career yards and has found pay dirt 17 times.

This year Carter is off to a terrific start. In just 8 games, he has 116 rushing attempts for 807 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is averaging 7 yards a carry and 100 yards per game. If you add in the 28 yards a game receiving and the 21 receptions for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, Carter is turning into a complete back.

The impressive thing is over the past two years, Carter has even returned kicks. He averaged 35.8 yards per return last year, which NFL teams will fall in love with.

NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes

I have fallen in love with Michael Carter from North Carolina. He is one of the best all around running backs in the NFL Draft. NFL teams want a player who can play Special Teams and a player that can play all four downs. Michael Carter is that guy. He is a solid return man, has great hands out the backfield and is hard to bring down as a ball carrier. Overall, this kid is flying up my draft board, where is he on the NFL’s radar? We will find out soon. – Damond Talbot, NFL Draft Diamonds, Owner