Michael Carter - The Number Two Tar Heel

By: Hussam Patel

Juice's Top Running Backs Series

Michael Carter is another Tar Heel Running back that has declared for the NFL Draft . He broke out, along with his teammate Javonte Williams, this final season. Carter is projecting to be a productive back in the NFL as a primary rotation back in a spread offense or third-down back in a traditional offense.

Michael Carter won't go down! pic.twitter.com/fITJs1AY8r

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 30, 2021

I would describe him as “compact” instead of small due to his size, he carries thickness  in his upper and lower body. Carter’s height gives him a naturally low center of gravity, useful for weathering contact and changing or pace quickly. He is more scheme dependent- the zone running game as his best use- showing good patience behind the line of scrimmage to allow blocks to develop and vision to pick out holes.

If you’re good enough, you’re big enough. Michael Carter is definitely good enough.□ pic.twitter.com/yFjxeNkEo6

— Brandon Howard (@bhoward_81) January 23, 2021

An agile runner, he is an asset in the passing game. Carter is a natural pass catcher, who has elite vision to frame the ball well when extending to make the catch without bouncing off his chest.

Quick Numbers: With Phil Longo at @TarHeelFootball, RB Michael Carter — 89% catch rate, 9.8 highlight yards per carry — could emerge as one of the ACC's more impactful skill players, writes @bgeis_bird https://t.co/W9pLcERqcv pic.twitter.com/RSXZI1K4H4

— ACCSports.com (@ACCSports) August 29, 2019

He can pass block as well, giving his QB some time to cash in an opportunity downfield. Carter does not have the functional strength shown to break tackles, it is tough for him to break tackles around the line of scrimmage and falls into traps when cutting into a closed lane. He can be a productive back for any team