Fever receiver patiently putting it all together

May 18, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release


For Fever receiver George Carter, it has been an interesting trip in the professional circuit of football since leaving Linfield College.

He was on top of the world following his senior season in college. His team, the Linfield Wildcats had just won the Division III National Championship. Carter had finished a storied college career that saw him become Linfield's all-time leader in nearly every receiving category. He was looking forward to opportunities to workout for NFL teams with the hope to land a free-agent contract. The NFL workouts went well, but nobody called. The CFL workouts went well also and Carter was able to land a contract with the Montreal Alouettes. He was with them for approximately two weeks and came back with an education regarding the Canadian Football League (CFL) and what it will take to stick there. "The American players in the CFL are very talented and it was quite a jump from division III football," said Carter. "I feel that I have the skills to play at that level, but I clearly have some things to work on first."

His experience in Canada only fueled his fire to play professionally even more and when he returned Stateside he was able to sign with the Memphis team of the Arena Football League 2 (AF2). He would learn the indoor game on the practice squad for approximately one month before being sent to Central Valley (Fresno, California) of the same league. Two weeks later an ankle injury would end his first professional season. "It was frustrating at times, but also a very good experience." Carter said. "I was able to learn a little bit about the game in Canada and the Arena game all in one season."

When the 2006 season was approaching, Carter set his sights on landing a solid AF2 gig. He signed with the expansion Spokane Shock, even though the Tri-Cities Fever had offered him a contract early on in the process as well. "I had some AF2 experience and felt that an expansion team and a fresh start was a good combination for me," Carter said. When Carter arrived in Spokane for training camp, things just didn't feel right for him. He had wondered if he had made the right decision. He called Fever head coach Dan Whitsett and asked if the door was still open. "We had signed our quota of receivers and we were really happy with what we had, but I told him he could come to camp and try to earn a spot," said Whitsett. "He left Spokane and really took a chance to come down here and compete for a spot that wasn't there for him yet. He came in here and not only made the team, but earned a starting receiver position."

When Quincy Jackson went down two weeks ago with an injury, Carter stepped up to the plate and took over as the teams leading receiver. Last week against the undefeated Rapid City Flying Aces, Carter caught 8 passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns. It was the top receiving performance against the Aces all season. "He just went out and competed," said Whitsett. "He has really stepped up and made plays. When we need a first down and our backs are against the wall I have all the confidence in the world throwing to him." On the season Carter has 25 catches for 395 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averages 15.8 yards per catch. "When you look at George you don't see a deep threat...you don't see a 4.4 40 guy, but that is exactly what he is," continued Whitsett. " I have yet to see a defensive back that he can't run by."

You can call George Carter a lot of things, but don't call him a "possession receiver." "I don't like that stereo-type," said Carter. "A possession receiver is generally a guy that does not have a lot of speed, but runs great routes and catches the football." Coach Whitsett agrees that George is not the "possession" receiver on the team. "C.J. Cheatwood would be your stereo-typical possession receiver, but not George...he has the speed package. Not just good speed, he has great speed."

Carter may be sitting out this week with some bruised ribs, however, you can definitely expect to see him at the next Fever home game, the heavily anticipated rematch against the Rapid City Flying Aces on June 4th.



National Indoor Football League Stories from May 18, 2006


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