Derek Carter Jr. brings veteran range and tackle pop to WVU’s secondary
In the 2025 season, Derek Carter Jr. gave West Virginia a steady safety presence, finishing with 31 total tackles, 4 passes defended, 1 interception, and a 20-yard pick return, while also bringing 35 career games and 15 starts of experience into 2026. He’s a compact, veteran defensive back who was used in both coverage and support roles, and the word around him is that he’s a reliable rotational piece with subpackage value rather than a pure highlight machine. If your defense values experience, versatility, and a safety who shows up near the ball, he’s worth caring about.
