Barrett Carter Reveals Clemson Teammate He’d Bet His Paycheck Will Make the NFL

Kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers are set to work out at the 2025 NFL Combine on Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Coverage begins on NFL Network at 3 p.m.

Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter spoke to the media on Wednesday. 

On the possibility of the hometown team Atlanta Falcons drafting him and having the opportunity to play with former Clemson standouts Grady Jarrett, Ray-Ray McCloud, Ruke Orhorhoro, Bradley Pinion, and A.J. Terrell:

“It would be special. I grew up watching the Falcons [and] going to games and rooting for them. So that would be a special moment. We have a bunch of Clemson guys there too. So, if I got to line it up with them that would truly be special.”

On what he is looking forward to showing teams during the drills:

“I'm definitely doing everything and looking forward to it, and I wouldn't say anything specifically. Just, I'm just going to be out there, just having fun. I remember watching this as a kid, so it's cool to just be finally out there doing it and just showing my God-given abilities. I'm looking forward to the opportunity.”

On quarterback Cade Klubnik, who passed for 3,639 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and rushed for 463 yards with seven touchdowns:

“I could go on and on and on about Cade. The day that he stepped foot on campus his freshman year he's been that same guy since the day that I left. I know he's gonna continue to be that same guy. He's truly one of the most special people I've ever been around. Like he's led our Bible study groups. He's led our football team. He leads in any room that he walks in. Everyone sees the success that he's had on the field, but no one sees that he's the first one in the building and literally the last one to leave. And I know that's a statement that always gets tossed up in the air a lot, but Kay truly embodies that every single day.”

On the 24-38 loss to No. 5 Texas in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoffs. Carter had six tackles in the game:

“It was definitely cool to get Clemson back into the playoffs. Obviously, [I] wish we could have gone farther and won it all. But it was a surreal experience. You know, the way college football is shaping, having home playoff games like that was a fun experience. And walking into Texas and everybody's rooting against you. It was a fun experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. I know these guys; they're gonna continue that legacy and continue building off of the season that we had.”

On which Clemson player everyone will be talking about next year:

“Wade Woodaz. His last name says it all. Wade is one of the most influential guys I've ever been around. Just the leader he is. The man he is. The player he is. The best friend he is. The brother he is. Wade's gonna walk into a room. He's gonna command that room. When Wade talks, people listen. And just talk about him on the field. He can literally do everything on the field and not just do it, but at a high level. He's gonna shock a lot of people this year, for sure.”

On which Clemson freshman from last season he would bet his first NFL paycheck on making it to the NFL:

“Sammy Brown. First of all, he's wise beyond his years. The kids' a biology major, probably one of the smartest kids I've ever been around. It's rare for you to see a kid like Sammy in today's football world. He was ready to play; you could see his physicality, his speed, his intelligence, all of it, just at a high level. I learned a lot from Sammy, and I was three [years], four years older than him. Everyone knows his name, obviously, but he's truly one of the most talented players I've ever been around. One of the smartest I've ever been around. So, he's gonna continue to show why he's one of the best.”