UNC’s Michael Carter jetting to New York in 4th round of NFL draft
The New York Jets selected North Carolina running back Michael Carter with the second pick in Saturday’s fourth round of the NFL draft, No. 107 overall, as they continue to build out weapons for their new quarterback, Zach Wilson, whom they drafted second overall in Thursday’s first round.
With Javonte Williams’ selection in the second round, it marked the first time since 2017 that the Tar Heels have had two running backs drafted. T.J. Logan and Elijah Hood were taken in the fifth and seven rounds, respectively, in 2017.
Carter, 5-foot-8, 201 pounds, led the Tar Heels with more than 1,000 yards rushing in each of the past two seasons, including 1,245 yards as a senior. That vaulted him into fourth place in UNC history with 3,404 career rushing yards.
He was named to the Associated Press’ All-America third team and was all-ACC first team. Carter rushed for more than 200 yards in a game twice this season. He had 214 yards against Virginia Tech and 308 yards in a record-setting performance at Miami. It was Carter’s career high, the second highest in school history and the fourth most in ACC history.
“People worry about his size — Michael is very strong, and he plays bigger than his height,” UNC coach Mack Brown told reporters last month before the school’s pro day. “So he can pass protect, he can catch the ball. But what he’s got is the power to run inside and he’s got an amazing ability to be patient and and make the cut.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2021 at 12:30 PM.