CLEMSON — Though Barrett Carter’s dream of hearing his named called in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft will not come true, the former Clemson linebacker is not going to dwell on it.

He knows at some point this weekend his name will be called and his dream of playing in the NFL will be a reality. It is all about having faith.

“I keep my faith in the Lord. I know wherever I end up or wherever I get picked that is where the Lord wants me to be,” Carter said, as he waits to see who will select him in the 2025 NFL Draft. “I am not too worried about all the mock drafts and all the projections. I know wherever I end up, that is where I am supposed to be.”

Carter has spent the last four years at Clemson, where he helped the Tigers win two ACC Championships and play in the College Football Playoff. He had a great college career, and now he is ready to go out and embrace the next journey in his football life.

The versatile linebacker is projected to fall anywhere from the third to the fifth round. There are several teams shopping for a linebacker with his skillset.

“Ultimately, once you get there, it does not matter. Once you get your foot in the door, we are all on the same playing field,” Carter said. “I do not pay any attention to it. I just stay focused on me and myself.”

Heading into the draft, Carter has spoken and interviewed with several teams. One of the things scouts, coaches and general managers like about him is his positive attitude, his work ethic and his willingness to lead.

“I am relationship driven, so whatever teams brings me in they are going to get a guy they never have to worry about,” Carter said. “A guy who is going to be a leader from Day 1 and a guy who is not afraid to call out a veteran if need be.

“My goal is to come in and get on the field, as early as possible. It is a business at that level, so I am ready to come in and show I can provide value to the team, as early as possible. Any team that drafts me, they are going to add value from Day 1.”

And they are going to get one of the best college linebackers in the country. A two-time All-American and Butkus Award finalist, Carter tallied 254 tackles in his Clemson career, including 31.5 tackles for loss. He also had 12.5 sacks, broke up 24 passes, had three interceptions and forced two fumbles. He also recovered three fumbles.

During his four years at Clemson, Carter played the SAM, the MIKE and the WILL positions and played them all at high level, proving his versatility.

“Offenses like do a lot of stuff sideline to sideline. They like to spread you out and hit you on the outside and hit you on the inside and hit you with deep shots and everything,” Carter said. “I feel like my skillset translates perfectly (to the NFL).

“I can run. I can chase things down. I have the physicality to stop inside runs and I have the athletic ability and versatility to cover.”

Carter knows he is not perfect, but he is willing to work on those things and play as hard as anyone can for whomever drafts him.

“I definitely have some more work to do, but I think my game translates perfectly. Whatever team gets me, they are going to get a guy who can lineup at different spots and play ball at a high level,” he said.

The 2025 NFL Draft will continue on Friday at 7 p.m., with rounds 2-3, while rounds 4-7 will begin at noon on Saturday.