UK’s T.J. Carter, a former two-star recruit, to sign with Arizona Cardinals
University of Kentucky defensive end T.J. Carter announced on Twitter that he has agreed to an undrafted free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
“I’m undrafted and I love it,” he tweeted. “I faced a lot of adversity last year but it prepared me for what needs to get done. My fire is even bigger and I can’t wait to get down to @AZCardinals!!”
Two former Kentucky players were chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders picked wide receiver Lynn Bowden, who they plan to use as a running back, in the third round. The Detroit Lions selected offensive lineman Logan Stenberg in the fourth round.
Carter, a former two-star prospect out of Mableton, Ga., developed into a starting defensive lineman by his sophomore season, in which he started 12 of 13 contests. He took on more of a reserve role as a junior (he played in all 13 games but started only four) before again making 12 starts in 13 games as a senior.
During his last year as a Wildcat, Carter recorded 26 total tackles (six for a loss), two sacks and four quarterback hurries — all career-high marks. He recorded a career-best five tackles during UK’s win over Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl.
Carter signed with Kentucky as part of its 2016 recruiting class over offers from Memphis, Mercer, Samford, Tennessee State and Wyoming.
