Marquel Carter was a standout college football player for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons from 2014-2017. As a linebacker, Carter was known for his hard-hitting style of play and ability to make impact plays. He finished his Wake Forest career with 327 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Carter was named First Team All-ACC in 2016 and 2017. He was considered one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft. However, Carter went undrafted and has had trouble finding a permanent home in the NFL. This article will take a closer look at Marquel Carter’s college career, his journey through the pros, and what he’s up to now.
College Career at Wake Forest
Marquel Carter was a prized recruit coming out of high school in Alabama. He chose Wake Forest over offers from Auburn, Tennessee and Ole Miss. Carter made an immediate impact for the Demon Deacons, playing in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2014. He recorded 59 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. Carter continued to progress as a sophomore, finishing with 77 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions.
Breakout 2016 and 2017 Seasons
Carter really came into his own his junior year in 2016. He led the team with 105 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Carter helped Wake Forest capture the ACC Atlantic Division title. He followed that up with an even better senior campaign, leading the Demon Deacons with 105 tackles again to go along with 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. Carter was named a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. He cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive players in Wake Forest history.
2018 NFL Draft
After his standout college career, Carter was projected as a mid-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, teams were concerned about his lack of ideal size for an NFL linebacker at 6’1″ and 235 pounds. Carter also dealt with some injuries during the pre-draft process that raised durability questions. As a result, he ended up going undrafted. However, Carter was quickly signed by his hometown Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
Brief NFL Stints
Carter made the Falcons’ initial 53-man roster coming out of training camp in 2018. He appeared in 3 games for Atlanta, mostly playing special teams. The Falcons waived Carter midseason and he was claimed by the Oakland Raiders. Carter finished the year in Oakland, playing just 1 game for the Raiders. Entering 2019, Carter was waived by the Raiders during final cuts. He spent a couple weeks on the Raiders’ practice squad before being released. Later that season, Carter had a brief stint on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. He has not been able to find a permanent home in the NFL since going undrafted.
2018 with Falcons and Raiders
After going undrafted, Carter impressed enough during Falcons training camp and preseason to make the final roster. He was mainly used on special teams, seeing just 28 defensive snaps in 3 games with Atlanta. The Falcons needed roster spots and felt Carter was expendable, so they cut him after Week 6. The Raiders quickly claimed Carter off waivers. He only appeared in 1 game for Oakland, logging just 2 defensive snaps. At season’s end, Carter had played only 30 total defensive snaps as a rookie in the NFL.
2019 with Raiders and Colts
Heading into 2019, Carter was hoping to find more defensive playing time. However, the Raiders waived him during final roster cuts. They brought Carter back on the practice squad, where he spent a couple weeks before being released. Later that season after injuries hit, the Colts signed Carter to their practice squad in November. But his time in Indianapolis was also brief, as he was cut after just over a week. Carter has not caught on with an NFL team since.
Recent Years and Current Status
Since last playing in the NFL in 2019, Marquel Carter has spent the past few years trying to get back into the league. He’s had tryouts with the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers, but has yet to receive another contract offer. Carter also briefly played in The Spring League in 2021, a developmental league for players trying to get scouted. As of now, Carter is not currently signed with any professional football team. He continues to train in hopes of getting one more NFL opportunity.
NFL Tryouts
In 2020, Carter had workouts with the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers. Both teams were exploring veteran linebacker options and brought Carter in for looks. However, neither team ended up signing him to a contract. Carter has not had any reported NFL tryouts since 2020. Teams may still have concerns about his lack of size and speed for the NFL level.
The Spring League
In 2021, Carter signed with The Spring League, which operates from April through July each year. It gives free agent players a chance to develop and be evaluated by NFL scouts. Carter joined the Blues team and played well, showing he still has the skills that made him a standout linebacker in college. However, Carter was not signed by any NFL team off of his Spring League performance.
Current Status
As of October 2022, Marquel Carter remains a free agent. He continues to train and prepare for any opportunities to return to the NFL. Carter sometimes works out with his alma mater Wake Forest to help develop their linebackers. He also makes appearances at youth football camps. Carter still has hopes of resuming his NFL career, whether that’s on a practice squad or competing for a roster spot. For now, he waits for that call and a chance to continue his pro football dream.
Analysis and Outlook
Marquel Carter clearly had the talent to succeed in the NFL, but sometimes things just don’t work out for certain players:
| Reasons for Carter’s NFL Struggles |
|---|
| Lack of ideal size for NFL linebacker |
| Injuries during pre-draft process |
| Bounced around between multiple teams |
| Strong competition for roster spots |
It’s unfortunate Carter hasn’t been able to establish himself, as he was so highly productive in college. He’s still only 26 years old, so he likely has plenty of good football left in him. However, Carter may have to face the reality that his NFL dreams are over soon if he doesn’t get another opportunity. A potential path could be excelling in The Spring League again and hoping a team gives him one more look. But the chances are diminishing each year that passes from his last NFL action. Hopefully Marquel Carter gets at least one more shot to prove he can stick on an NFL roster.
Conclusion
Marquel Carter excelled during his college career at Wake Forest, developing into an All-ACC linebacker. He was expected to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft but ended up going undrafted due to size concerns. Carter had brief off-and-on stints with the Falcons, Raiders and Colts from 2018-2019 but has not played in the NFL since. He’s had tryouts but has yet to receive another contract offer. Carter continues to train in hopes of resuming his NFL career. But at 26 years old with three years removed from the league, his odds are decreasing. It’s unfortunate Carter hasn’t been able to find a steady role, as he clearly has the motor and competitiveness to succeed. He still provides value as a veteran leader and special teams contributor if given another shot. However, barring a breakout performance in The Spring League or preseason, Marquel Carter may never get that opportunity.