Donovan Carter is a fifth year senior nose tackle out of UCLA. At 6-1 and 305 pounds, the North Hills, California, native played in 14 games and ranked second amongst the defensive linemen with 36 tackles. Despite his current 300 pound size, he started out at a linebacker, but moved to tackle in 2010. Pro Player Insiders Melissa Mahler caught up with Carter at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
ProPlayerInsiders : Tell me some of the things that have been interesting or that you’ve taken away so far from practices from pros and coaches? 
Donovan Carter (DC):Just being able to connect with coaches that have been in the NFL that are teaching us a lot of different techniques. In college, ya know, you do one thing. A lot of coaches would say you need to drop everything you knew in college… its kinda like starting all over. And just connecting with players from across the country… they’re good guys and I learn from them too. We try to help each other out, ya know… with different techniques that we know too.
PPI: Who’s been one of your mentors here?
DC: Definitely my D-line coach, we call him “big daddy”… he’s been teaching us a lot of things. He played in the league for a long time, played a lot of games, and he’s teaching us how to use our hands and techniques that are gonna help us on the next level.
PPI: What are some of the things that people should know about you that stand out from your style of play?
DC: I’m an effort guy, I might not do everything right on the right play but I always try to give it my all 100 percent.
PPI: What are some of the things people have told you along the way? Do you have friends or family that have played in the pros that are giving you some tips as you try to make the next step?
DC: They just basically tell me to enjoy it and give it all you got because at the end of the day, don’t live with any regrets. Basically just always give it 100 percent. And just let whatever God has planned for you, that’s all you can do.
PPI: What are some of the things you enjoy doing outside of football?
DC: I love just hangin out with my friends and family and definitely video games… that’s big for me. Call of Duty, NBA2K, Madden, FIFA, I’m just a big sports fan.
PPI: What is your favorite food?
DC: I’d have to say Chinese food…
PPI: Song that pumps you up before a game?
DC: I can’t really just name one song, I love hip hop, so anything with a nice beat, a lot of bass… I like.
PPI: Favorite football moment/memory to date?
DC: I gotta say this year… beating USC.
PPI: Player you look up to or try to emulate their style of play?
DC: I love Ray Lewis, even though he plays linebacker, I just love his intensity… JJ Watt, he’s a monster so… Vince Willfork… I mean, I just love football so…
UPDATE: Carter posted solid numbers at his pro day, running a 5.32 40-yard dash, posting 21 reps at the bench press, and displayed the versatility coaches love so much as he proved the ability to play not only defensive tackle but also a five-technique end in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Carter has fostered memories of fellow Bruin and current Arizona Cardinal, David Carter (no relation).
Roni Wade and Nathan Rickard contributed to this article
Follow Melissa on twitter @Melissa_PPI and @PlayerInsiders
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