Carter has turned a corner in the second half of his first season since switching from linebacker to defensive end. He is third in the nation and first in the Big Ten with 15.5 tackles for loss, while he also ranks 11th in the country and second in the Big Ten with eight sacks.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter was selected Tuesday as a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.

Allen wanted to boost the team’s defensive end corps after stars Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson moved on to the NFL. He also thought he could maximize the 251-pound Carter’s potential.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar and defensive end Abdul Carter each received semifinalist recognition on Tuesday. Allar was named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, given annually to the nation’s best quarterback.

Penn State’s Drew Allar has been included on a narrowed list for a premier national award. Allar was one of 16 players selected as a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, which annually recognizes the nation’s top quarterback.