Barrett Carter certainly made Clemson fans happy last week when he announced that he’s returning for his senior year in 2024.

This evening, the star linebacker met with the media and discussed why he decided not to declare for April’s NFL Draft, explaining why he instead wanted to run it back with the Tigers one more time next season.

“It was probably the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Carter said. “Your dream is, the opportunity is right there in front of you, and you have a tough decision to make. But you have to really weigh out the pros and cons. So, I felt like I had some unfinished business here. I feel like I left a lot of meat on the bone this past year, and I came here to win a national championship. I set out a lot of goals for myself, and I had an opportunity to come back and I talked to a lot of people, got a lot of input and decided that it was in my best interest for myself, selfishly, to come back.

“I love this university, I love this team, I love these people, and I couldn’t leave yet. The guys that I get to go to work with every day, they make it so special for me, and I couldn’t leave them yet. So, it was a tough decision to say the least.”

Carter added that after the South Carolina game on Nov. 25, he had “no clarity” with his decision until two days before he announced his decision to come back on Dec. 7.

“That’s when I really got full clarity,” he said. “But I decided that I wanted to come back and I have unfinished business here to handle, and I want to bring a national championship to this school.”

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-pound junior is third on the team with nine tackles for loss and has also posted three sacks, three pass breakups and six quarterback pressures.

A versatile member of the back seven, 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).

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.