By Matthew Tracy
As the 2015 NFL draft approaches, many Northern Virginians have their attention on the Washington Redskins, hoping to rebuild after a 12-loss 2014 season. With most focused on the team, it’s easy to forget one local star who’s sure to have a bright future: Ashburn’s own Alex Carter.
Carter had a tremendous impact in his three seasons as cornerback at Stanford. As a freshman, he led the team with three forced fumbles and had a season-high seven tackles in a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. His sophomore year, he had 59 tackles, one interception and a team-high seven pass breakups to once more reach the Rose Bowl. Capping off his third season, Carter made 41 tackles, helping Stanford reach and win the 2014 Foster Farms Bowl.
Now Carter’s ready to take the next big step. After declaring for the draft in December, he might just see his lifelong NFL goal achieved come April 30.
“This is something I’ve dreamed of for a long time,” Carter says. “It’s really awesome to be able to just live the life that I dreamed of living, just having this opportunity to play professionally. It really is like a dream come true.”
Despite his individual success, Carter acknowledges the impact of his family both on and off the field. His dad, former Redskins cornerback Tom Carter (who totaled 361 tackles and 27 interceptions on his career), has been his guide every step of the way.
“(My dad’s) kind of playing the agent role for me, helping me with all the football side of it,” Carter says. “He’s been through it, so he’s telling me what to expect.”
Carter’s gratitude extends beyond his family. Whenever he returns to his Ashburn hometown, Carter makes sure to visit Briar Woods High School, whose football team he helped win consecutive Virginia AA Division 4 State Championships as defensive back.
“I still go back to Briar every time I come back here, just because the people there were so supportive,” Carter says.
Carter’s relationship to his hometown and school goes beyond the field. After his 14-year-old sister tragically died in her sleep in 2012, the school and many in the Ashburn community put together a vigil to support Carter and his family.
“I loved playing the games at Briar, maybe even a little more so than at Stanford, just because people were really close to each other,” Carter says. “So just being a part of the community here in Ashburn is definitely still a part of me right now.”
When asked what team he’d like to play for, Carter says he’d be happy with anyone, specifically listing Pittsburgh, Arizona, Dallas, Seattle and Washington.
So Northern Virginians may or may not boast a great professional football team this season, but at least they’ll have Carter (no matter who he plays for – let’s just hope it’s not the Cowboys). Many analysts project Carter going between the second and fourth rounds.
The 2015 NFL draft takes place April 30-May 2 on ESPN and the NFL Network.
