Rookie RB Carter an ‘electric’ element
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Michael Carter stands out on the football field — and it’s not just because of his elusive moves.
The New York Jets rookie running back is always bouncing around with a child-like exuberance that rubs off on his teammates.
“I do love the juice and the energy he brings to practice,” coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s got this big smile on his face, he’s got a lot of energy to him, and it’s important to him.”
It’s just who the fourthround pick out of North Carolina is. The 22-year-old Carter loves football, and it shows.
“That’s not something I really think about,” Carter said of his personality on and off the field. “I think it’s just I enjoy playing the game. Like, it’s my job, you know? (But) I don’t have to dress up and wear a collared shirt every day. I can go put a dri-fit (athletic shirt) on and go to work.
“There’s nothing wrong with collared shirts, though. I think they’re great.”
But Carter’s office is the football field. And he’s anything but buttoned up there.
After a low-key NFL debut during which he had 6 yards on four carries and a 14-yard catch at Carolina, Carter ran for 59 yards on 11 attempts and caught two passes for 29 yards in New York’s loss to New England.
“His contact balance — he’s shown, somehow, someway, guys just fall off him,“Saleh said. “So he’s got a great running style to him.”
The offense, particularly quarterback Zach Wilson, struggled against the Patriots, but Carter provided some flashes of optimism.
“He was electric,” Saleh said.
Some might say that’s in his blood.
Carter grew up in Navarre, Florida, following — or running — in a few family footsteps. His father, Tony, played running back at South Carolina State and his oldest brother, Dwayne, played in the backfield at Independence Community College and Harding University. Carter’s younger