Southern University Tigers offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter has set himself up nicely prior to this month’s NFL Draft.
The talented 6-foot-4 and 312-pounder from White Castle, Louisiana, added to his strong draft resume, by performing well at Southern’s pro day. Carter showed his nimble footwork and quickness in a litany of drills.
Where he really shined was in the vertical leap (34.5 inches), and it was labeled an “all-timer” for a player his size. Carter also posted a broad jump of 9.3 feet and a shuttle run of 4.92.
Recap Reel from @GeauxJags Pro Day ‘22 #GoJags #ProwlOn #NFLJags pic.twitter.com/HL8RhGvXML
— Southern University Football (@GeauxJags) April 7, 2022
His workout was so impressive it even had Jim Nagy, executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, chirping a bit via Twitter.
“Carter is getting drafted,” Nagy said.
Thirteen NFL teams sent representatives to Baton Rouge, as Southern’s pro day is the precursor to nearby LSU’s big day at Tiger Stadium aka Death Valley.
Carter Was The Only HBCU Lineman Invited To The NFL Combine In Indianapolis
Carter holds the distinction of being the only HBCU lineman to be invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. That’s where 324 NFL draft prospects are taken through a bevy of tests and workouts for four days. He was joined by safety Markquese Bell (FAMU), cornerback Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) and cornerback DeCobie Durant (South Carolina State).
Durant drew rave reviews from Jackson State head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders following the Bulldogs’ dominating 31-10 Celebration Bowl win over the Tigers.
“My hats off to everybody involved for South Carolina State, especially their secondary,” Coach Prime said. “They got a corner over there that should be recommended for the NFL, I am sure he is. He should get his shine on. We tried our best and got our butts kicked.”
Carter Participated In The Reese’s Senior Bowl And East-West Shrine Bowl
In an effort to elevate his draft stock, Carter was an active participant in postseason bowl games. Viewed as swing tackle or guard, Carter showed flashes while playing both positions in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. NFL teams love players with versatility, as that helps the numbers game that goes into forming an NFL roster.
For instance, Carter being able to play guard or tackle allows teams to fill a need somewhere else because he can play multiple positions. That’s his big trump card, and NFL teams are always intrigued by guys who can give them quality play at different spots on the field.
With Nagy’s ringing endorsement and Carter showing his skill set in drills and on game tape. it’s looking as if he’ll be drafted and have a real shot at helping a team in year one of his NFL career.
This is what Deion Sanders has talked about when preaching about giving HBCU athletes a fair shot. While Carter was given a chance to showcase his talent in front of NFL scouts on numerous occasions, many others aren’t afforded that same opportunity. And that’s what Coach Prime has made his business: getting HBCU athletes in front of as many eyes as possible.
Rags to Riches💜 pic.twitter.com/YXSUZeitJN
— JaTyre Carter (@CarterJaTyre) April 7, 2022
