KENTWOOD, La. — Shyheim Carter may just be David Currier’s most talented player in Currier’s long coaching tenure.
And that speaks volumes, considering Currier’s nearly 30 years of experience.
Carter hardly had to speak last Friday against Basile when he racked up 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns on only seven carries.
It was the freshman’s first career 100-yard game and his second multi-touchdown game of the season on a night when Kentwood needed someone to step up.
Junior Leslie Collins, one of Kentwood’s leading rusher, separated his shoulder two weeks ago against Country Day, and Carter took it upon himself to fill in.
“I kept telling myself I had to step up for my team,” Carter said. “Without Leslie we can win, but with him we’re more dominant. I had to be there for my team.”
Those words sound like a veteran player and hardly resemble something from a freshman with only 12 games of experience.
But Carter lived up to his words and exploded for three touchdowns to help Kentwood advance to this Friday’s LHSAA Class 1A state semifinal game at Ouachita Christian School in Monroe, La.
“He’s elusive and can make cuts. He’s pretty physical, too. He’s got it all,” Currier said. “… He’s probably the best freshman I’ve coached here.”
Currier was quick to note that while Carter may have erupted during a much-needed playoff game, he has done this the entire season.
Carter spent much of the season as Kentwood’s big-play wide receiver. The 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound Carter has nine catches for 389 yards and a whopping 43.2 yards per catch average.
He has also been instrumental out of the backfield, posting at least 40 rushing yards in six of Kentwood’s 12 games this season to go along with touchdowns in 8 of 12 contests.
“He’s been doing it all year,” Curries said. “No matter who we play, he can make plays.”
While the production has been there, the rise has been somewhat uncharted territory. In addition to Collins, Kentwood has several talented veterans including junior quarterback Tavarious Battiste, junior wide receivers Robert Trout and T. Route, and senior running back Jaquavis Roberts.
“It’s been unexpected,” Carter said. “I’ve just worked my way up.”
Kentwood and Carter will face a stout defense Friday against OCS, a team that hasn’t lost a game in two years.
But even with a loss, Currier has Carter for another three years. If Carter is this good now, there’s no telling where he could be with a few years of development.
“He’s only a freshman, so hopefully he grows a little more,” Currier said.
