Junior College transfer are really make or break. We've seen some blossom into outstanding stars, while others fall off the face of the earth. When it comes to junior tight end Sterling Carter, he will have to work his tail off for consistent playing time this season, due to the depth we have at this position, so he doesn't turn into a bust.
Sterling Carter - Jr.
Hometown: Torrence, CA (Los Angeles Harbor CC)
Tight End
6'5", 240 pounds
2012 Projection: Reserve at tight end, contributor to special teams.
Last year, Carter joined The Boilermakers in spring practice with hopes to taking a starting spot, but after a less than lackluster season and the amount of talent we have at tight end this season, it looks like he is going to be one of our deep reserves at the position. Carter does have a good frame to him. He's one of the bigger tight ends on the team, and this could allow him to get more playing time as a blocking tight end. But with Crosby Wright, Gabe Holmes, and Carlos Carvajal, Carter is going to have to really work for those minutes.
However, Purdue does love throwing to tight ends. So maybe Coach Hope will get some sort of rotation going with Carter in the mix. He's a good athlete. He played on both sides of the ball when he was in high school as well as basketball and volleyball. He was rated as a two star recruit coming out of high school where he received offers from UCLA and San Jose State. Carter was a big part of LA Harbor's offense, so we will just have to wait and see if he can use his talent for the Boilermakers in some way.