Former South Pike Eagle and four-year NFL player Perry Carter is coaching in the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama this weekend.
Carter, who is currently a defensive assistant with the Tennessee Titans that primarily works with cornerbacks, is spending the week coaching upcoming NFL prospects in the realm of special teams.
The former South Pike defensive back participated in the Senior Bowl back in 1994 following a prolific career at Southern Miss.
"It was 1994, and it was at Ladd-Peebles Stadium back then," Carter said. "And, it was called Delchamps Senior Bowl at that time. Back in 1994, it was a bloodbath, because every practice, it was full pads, you'd hit, and you took guys to the ground. So, it was something serious. A lot has obviously changed with the rules. And, the exposure is something else – all the GMs are here, the head coaches, coordinators. Just look around, they are swarming everywhere around here, so I'm just thankful I've been able to experience all of it, as a player and now a coach."
Carter, a three-year letter-winner who intercepted 11 passes as a Golden Eagle, was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round (107th pick overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft.
He played in 28 games as a cornerback with the Chiefs (1994-95) and Raiders (1996-98) before playing four seasons with the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes and BC Lions.
Carter is working with the National Team alongside other NFL assistant coaches.
"When I got the opportunity to come here, I was elated," Carter said. "I was like: 'That's the same bowl game I played in. It's been awesome, a ball of fun. And I know what these guys are going through and I know the anxiety they are feeling. But I also know the great opportunity that they have. So, I was excited just to come back and be on the other end of it, the coaching side of it. It's a blast, but it is full circle.
"And, to be able to come down here to represent the Titans, it's an honor, because they chose me to do that. I don't take any of it for granted. I just told coach Callahan a few minutes ago when I saw him: Coach, I appreciate the opportunity.' I'm loving it."
Quotes and some information taken from the Titans' website.
