Penn State freshman linebacker Adbul Carter was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Thursday. Carter is one of three Big Ten players among the 14 semifinalists on the list.

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is presented annually to the most outstanding freshman player in college football.

Carter, a 6’3″, 233-pound linebacker from La Salle College High School in Philadelphia, wasted no time becoming a vital part of the Penn State defense. This season, Carter has appeared in all eight games, making his first start against Minnesota. He is currently ranked third on the team with 35 tackles (23 solo). He has also recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups.

He was awarded the No. 11, which comes with high expectations at Linebacker U. Previously, the number has been worn by Penn State legends such as NaVorro Bowman, LaVar Arrington, Brandon Bell, and Micah Parsons. Carter will aim to follow up with a long, successful career of his own repping the blue and white.

Finalists for the fifth annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award will be announced on December 6 and the winner will be announced on December 29. The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala in March 2023.

No. 15 Penn State will aim to rebound on its tough loss against Ohio State, as it travels to Bloomington to take on Indiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, and the game will be broadcasted on ABC.