Barrett Carter’s path to the NFL is now complete.

The former Clemson linebacker was selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, with the two-time All-American going at No. 119 overall.

However, while the draft process is strenuous in its own right, the hard work begins now as Carter looks to carve out a role for himself with his new team.

“I love defense,” Carter said after the selection. “I’m ready to put my body out there … I’ve been playing special teams my whole college career and ready just to play anywhere.” 

Not only did Carter’s collegiate career with the Tigers stand out to the Bengals, so did how he handled himself during the meticulous interview process.

“I was just being myself,” Carter added. “I didn’t want to put up a front and try to be something I’m not. God gave me my DNA, my fingerprint, and no one else has the same fingerprint. I stand by that and I live by that.”

During his four-year career at Clemson, Carter appeared in 52 games, with 40 of those being starts. He totaled 254 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

As a senior, Carter was a Butkus Award finalist, which is handed out annually to the nation’s best linebacker, and a first-team All-ACC selection.

Carter joins former Clemson teammates Tee Higgins and Myles Murphy, who are both currently on the Cincinnati roster. He also now gets to play alongside one of the best linebackers in the league, Logan Wilson, and Carter is anxious to soak up everything he can.

“I’m excited to get in there and learn from him,” Carter said. “He’s one of the best to do it, and he’s a dog. I’m just excited to team up with a guy like that and pick his brain.”