CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cole Carter’s football career has come to an end.
The Mississippi State offensive lineman walked off the field wearing his Bulldog uniform one last time, but it didn’t have to be his final time. Carter, just a junior, has one more year of eligibility left, but he decided midway through this season that this would be his last.
“There’s always different roads you can take in life,” Carter said. “Not necessarily looking at is as closing a door, but opening a door. It’s a different opportunity and it’s kind of a path that I kind made by myself. It just seemed like the right one to take.”
Carter’s four-year career, including a redshirt season, at MSU will not be remembered by many MSU fans, but Carter said he will remember it fondly. He did walk away a winner though, as the Bulldogs (9-4) beat North Carolina State (7-6) 51-28 Wednesday in the Belk Bowl in Bank of America Stadium.
The Caledonia native was a three-star recruit by many of the recruiting sites and was rated as the No. 72 offensive lineman in the nation by Scout.com for 2012 recruiting class. He was ranked as the 19th best player in the State of Mississippi by ESPN.
Carter doesn’t regret his time at MSU and said it has shaped him into the man he has become.
“It’s just been a great ride as far as football and school,” Carter said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It was everything I expected and then some. I’ve learned the value of hard work, giving relentless effort and anything you want in life you can have it, as long as you’re willing to work hard and make the sacrifices necessary.”
Carter was redshirted during the 2012 season, but saw action in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2013. He primary played on special teams that season. He played in 11 games last season and was left tackle Blaine Clausell’s backup.
This season, Carter has played in all 13 games, including the bowl game. He is listed as right tackle Justin Senior’s backup.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach John Hevesy said. “He’s done a great job with special teams for us. You wish he could have got more reps at tackle, but he’s done everything that’s asked and I wouldn’t ask anything more.”
Hevesy is proud of the attitude Carter has showed over these last four years and said he never complained about anything while mainly serving as a backup.
The former Caledonia High School standout says he is on track to graduate in May with a major in physical therapy. From there he said he will enter the working world and begin a new chapter in his life. He said he came to the decision to not return next season because he thought it was the best thing for his future.
He said the one thing he will remember about his career is the friendships he made along the way. He said the friendships will last a lifetime and he could see himself staying in touch with many of his teammates.
Carter made the decision early enough to be included with the seniors who were recognized during the final home game against Ole Miss.
“It was great being honored with all those guys,” Carter said. “I came in with a few of them. It’s been a long ride, but it’s been a great ride.”
There are 12 other Bulldogs who played in their final game, including quarterback Dak Prescott who has set numerous records. Carter said before the game he didn’t know what to expect when the fourth quarter clock hit triple zeroes.
“I can guess that it wouldn’t be like my last high school game or anything, but honestly I have no idea of how it will feel,” Carter said. “(I’m sure there) will be a lot of different emotions, hopefully good ones.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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