Maryland LB Carter ends stellar career vs. PSU

COLLEGE PARK, MD. » Maryland coach DJ Durkin is a man of few words, except perhaps when it comes to talking about Terrapins linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr.

“I couldn’t say enough good things about Jermaine,” Durkin said Tuesday. “I could go all day.”

Durkin proceeded to list a litany of Carter’s qualities, beginning with: “He’s a tremendous leader, a tremendous person, a very good football player and highly productive. Just comes to work every day.”

Carter will play his final game at Maryland on Saturday. Although the Terps (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten) no longer have a chance to secure a bowl bid, Carter will attack No. 12 Penn State (9-2, 6-2) as if the outcome will determine the national champion.

“It’s not going to be any different from any other week,” he said. “We’re going to go out there and expect to win.”

Carter began his career under coach Randy Edsall and played his final two seasons under Durkin. Though the man at the top changed, Carter’s numbers remained consistent.

After ringing up 12 tackles last week at Michigan State, the 6-foot, 228-pounder Carter is poised to become only the fifth player since 1969 to lead Maryland in tackles for three straight seasons. Three of the previous four — D’Qwell Jackson, E.J. Henderson and Ratcliff Thomas — ended up playing in the NFL.

“Tackling, that’s what a linebacker is supposed to do. That, and put the ball on the ground,” Carter said.