New Spartan Tailback Has A Bone To Pick With Michigan Wolverines
When true freshmen or incoming transfers first enter a new college program, dislike for rival programs is usually something that's learned over time.
One new Michigan State Spartan, however, doesn't have to be taught the importance of the annual rivalry game against Michigan.
He's already looking forward to stepping back on the field across from the Wolverines.
Tailback Nathan Carter, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Connecticut, was off to a great start to his sophomore campaign when the Huskies travelled to Ann Arbor last September.
Carter carried the ball just six times that day against Michigan before suffering a season-ended shoulder injury in a 59-0 loss to the eventual Big Ten champions.
After landing at Michigan State, Carter will have another opportunity to line up against the Wolverines on Oct. 21 in East Lansing.
"Obviously, they're the ones that, when I was at Connecticut, they put me out for the year," Carter said. "So, I've got a little chip on my shoulder when we play them. So, that will be fun to get a little 'get back' when that time comes."
It hasn't taken long for Carter to adopt Michigan State's mentality concerning their in-state rivals. Asked about his mindset after seeing his season end early in 2022, Carter referred to Michigan by using the moniker that head coach Mel Tucker and his players have made popular over the last three years.
"I took it pretty well," Carter said. "I did have a good season going into playing 'the team down the road', and then obviously my season got cut short. But, I believe I handled it very well."
Asked about using the term, 'team down the road', instead of 'Michigan', Carter said: "I mean, year round here that's how everyone says it. We never name that team down the road. It's just the way it is here."
Carter said he is recovering well from the injury to his shoulder, and that he doesn't expect it to hamper him in any way in 2023.
"Given that it was a shoulder injury, it didn't really hinder me back as far as my ability with my legs or anything like that," he said. "And me just putting my work in in the training room and getting better, getting stronger in my shoulder, I'm able to come out here and have no pain, no issues really at all."
Prior to his injury, Carter had rushed for 405 yards on 65 carries (6.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown early in 2022. This came after he ran for 578 yards on 125 carries (4.6) and two touchdowns as a true freshman.
Upon entering the transfer portal, Carter said he was surprised by the amount of feedback and interest he drew from several programs.
Michigan State and running backs coach Effrem Reed separated themselves from the pack. Carter is excited to compete in a conference like the Big Ten, and MSU's recent success with transfer tailback Kenneth Walker III made an impact in his decision as well.
"I just felt peace with them," Carter said. "As far as developing a relationship with Coach Reed and what he's presenting to me and what I saw in this vision that they presented me of where they saw Michigan State going for this year and the years to come. And I wanted to be a part of that. I felt that I could make a great contribution to this team, on and off the field, to help us get to our goal."
Carter will compete with fellow incoming transfer Jaren Mangham (South Florida), as well as incumbent MSU starter Jalen Berger for carries this season. Other Spartans, such as Davion Primm and Jordon Simmons, will also compete for roles.
Carter said that each guy brings a unique skillset to the table however, and they team success is the focus of the position group.
"Our ultimate goal is to win a championship, and that's what we're focused on and that's what we're going to do."
