When Penn State coach James Franklin recruited La Salle College high school standout Abdul Carter, Franklin wanted Carter to be a defensive end. Carter, a four-star recruit, committed to Penn State, but he and his dad resisted a position change from linebacker.

Penn State junior defensive end Abdul Carter was tabbed national player of the week by the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Tuesday.

The junior Penn State defensive end was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. He finished the 21-7 win over the Illini with seven tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.