2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Roger Carter Jr., TE/FB, Georgia State

• Name: Roger Carter Jr.
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 250 lbs
• Position: TE/FB
• College: Georgia State University
• Twitter: @rogerc0331
• Instagram: roger_carter

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I just graduated with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. I have made the Honor Roll and Dean’s List. Outside of football, I have been a small group leader for Athletes in Action which is a Christian organization for student athletes. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I’m a hard worker. I usually stay quiet and do what I need to do. I’ll accept my role and do whatever task that the coaches ask me to do.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m a utility player and a big special teams contributor. I’m used all over in many positions whether it be tight end or fullback. I’ve been split out wide as a receiver and also used as a blocker whether it be in the backfield, in-line or used as a h-back in split zone blocking the opposite DE.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Georgia Southern is one of our biggest rivals, and they have some talent there on the defense. LB Rashad Byrd can cover and come downhill and deliver a hit. He has a way of creating turnovers. DE Raymond Johnson is another player at Georgia Southern who’s a big playmaker. He’s strong, fast and has that quick twitch when the ball is snapped.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Sam Pinckney is one of the teammates that impresses me. He’s a big receiver that can be a deep threat. He’s fast and strong. One of the best things about Sam is his attitude which is always positive. He’s been able to persevere and play through some injuries.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Coming out of high school the recruiting process was a bit of a challenge. I had committed to FAU, but they were undergoing a new coaching change and my scholarship had gone away. Luckily, Georgia State was able to come in at the last minute and give me an offer.

I’ve overcome many struggles during my time in college. I played through some injuries in college. I had a hand injury and a high ankle injury that I played through in my sophomore year. I didn’t miss a game despite my hand being swollen.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I played baseball and ran track in high school. If I never played football, I would have played soccer. I’ve always loved soccer. Being in a military family, I fell in love with soccer watching the  European Leagues. I have actually been able to kick a 45 yard field goal in practice. So, I could be the placekicker in a pinch if the coach needed it.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Graduating is definitely one of my biggest achievements, especially since I was able to accomplish it a semester early. I have been named Honorable Mention All-Conference, and this year I was able to get 3rd Team All-Sun Belt.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Two of my best games were as a freshman in 2017 when I was able to score a TD against Georgia Southern and Western Kentucky. That bowl game against Western Kentucky was very special because it was the first bowl win in school history. We had a trick play in that game where there was a double reverse with a toss back to the quarterback. I had a fake block and slipped out on a wheel route. I caught a 42-yard touchdown pass. We ultimately won that game 27-17

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Kylian Mbappe is my favorite athlete. He plays for Paris in the French Soccer League. Delanie Walker is the kind of player that I like to model my game after. He’s moved around a lot as a blocker and receiver, and is one of the best tight-ends in the league despite being only 6 ft tall.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Davido is an African Artist that I like to listen to. I don’t really listen to music before games in order to get pumped up. I’ll occasionally listen to Gospel like Marvin Sapp and J.J. Hairston.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chinese Food, specifically Shrimp Egg Foo Young. My parents bring it to me before games and I take it back to my room and finish it.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Annihilation is one of my favorite movies. It’s a sci-fi thriller that makes you think. The TV show that I like to watch is called The Challenge. It’s a reality TV show which has contestants competing in different challenges. I like the competitive nature of the show.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I’ll play FIFA on XBox. I also like to cook on the grill with my uncle when he comes over.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My Faith. God motivates me to play for him. Not everyone is blessed with the ability to play. My family also motivates me. Both of my parents were college athletes. My mom played basketball at Clark Atlanta and my dad played tight end at Bowie State. Their examples of hard work and dedication are something that I strive to be like.