Editors Note: Throughout the coming months, THN will be profiling players that signed over the off-season. These profiles will include former player’s that have re-signed, free agents, players acquired via trade, and drafted and undrafted rookies. Be sure to keep checking for new profiles, so that you can get to know the new Redskins.
Next in line: Andre Carter.
College: University of California
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 265
Born: 1979-05-12
Joined League: 2001
Drafted: 2001 – 1st Round – San Francisco 49ers
How Acquired: – UFA 2006
Number: 99
After spending the last two seasons playing outside linebacker for a 49ers defense trying to adjust to a new 3-4 system, Carter joins the Redskins returning to his natural position of defensive end.
The Redskins were enamored with the athleticism, size, speed, and versatility the 5-year veteran brings, so the team signed him within the first few days of free agency. Carter hopes to energize a defensive line that lacked aggressive pass rushers until late into the 2005 season.
In 2005, Carter’s final season in San Francisco, he played in all 16 games (starting in 14) and made 58 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and defended two passes.
Carter suffered a back injury, which limited him to only seven games (six starts) for the 2004 season. He tallied career lows with 10 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defended.
In his third season, Carter only missed one game and started the remaining 15. Along with his 34 tackles, he also defended two passes and forced a fumble. He led all 49ers defensive linemen with 6.5 sacks on the season.
Carter’s breakout season in the NFL came in 2002. He established career highs with 57 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four defended passes while starting all 16 regular season games. The sophomore defensive end helped guide the 49ers to the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs.
During his rookie season in 2001 Carter earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for the month of December and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after producing six tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble against the New Orleans Saints during the final week of the regular season.
During his four-year career at the University of California, Carter started 37 games and appeared in 43. He holds the school record for career sacks (31) and produced 173 tackles (113 solo). As a senior, he led the Golden Bears with 60 tackles and 13.5 sacks while starting in 11 games. He also earned unanimous first team All-America Honors from the Associated Press and the Sporting News.
At California, Carter earned a degree in American Studies.
As a senior at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, California, Carter earned first-team USA Today All-America. Parade Magazine rated him as the top senior defensive lineman while also being named Gatorade California State Player-of-the-Year in 1996.
Andre’s father, Rubin, was an assistant defensive line coach for the Redskins from 1999-2000. He also played in the NFL with the Denver Broncos from 1975-1986 and is now the current head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers football team.
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