Clemson has been trying to use the transfer portal for some help, but in this case, the Tigers tapped into the “NFL portal.”

Of course, there’s no such thing, but Dabo Swinney jokingly says that’s what happened when Clemson got star linebacker Barrett Carter back for another season.

“We went to the ‘NFL portal’ and got us one right there,” a smiling Swinney said of Carter, who announced last week that he’s returning for his senior year in 2024. “Pretty excited about him.”

Carter was selected to the All-ACC Second Team this season, during which he has played in 11 games (all starts) and ranks second on the team with 63 total tackles. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder is third on the team with nine tackles for loss and has also posted three sacks, three pass breakups and six quarterback pressures.

Swinney believes Carter would’ve turned pro if he had received a first-round grade, which wasn’t the case.

“I think he’s got a chance to be a top-15, top-20 pick (in the 2025 NFL Draft), and he’s not that this year,” Swinney said. “He’s a guy that’s obviously on everybody’s radar and he’s positioned himself, there’s no question, to get drafted. But he’s just one of those kids that wants to finish. He wants to finish. I think had he got a first-round grade, he wouldn’t be here. It probably would’ve been an easier decision.”

A versatile member of the back seven called by Swinney as “one of the best pure football players I’ve had in 20 years,” Carter garnered 2022 All-American honors and enters Clemson’s upcoming Gator Bowl vs. Kentucky with 166 career tackles (20.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and fumble recover over 36 games (25 starts).

Carter cited “unfinished business” when announcing his decision to come back for another year with the Tigers, and Swinney says there’s plenty more that Carter hopes to accomplish before moving on to the next level – including winning a national title.

“He wants to finish. He’s got more work he wants to get done at Clemson,” Swinney said. “He wants to be a graduate, he wants to be a leader, he wants to be a captain and he wants to win a national championship. So, he’s excited, and so are we.”

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is sellingfootballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.