Pitt sophomore running back V’Lique Carter has entered the transfer portal and intends to leave Pitt, he told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
When asked what led him to make this decision Carter told us “not enough playing time and a lack of communication.”
Carter wrapped up his second season at Pitt as a lightly used member of the Panthers offensive backfield. He rushed 65 times for 243 yards and also caught 17 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Carter entering the transfer portal was first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
As a true freshman in 2018, Carter started out in the defensive backfield as a cornerback before moving to wide receiver. Despite his position, he was utilized mostly as a rusher, carrying 25 times for 202 yards and two touchdowns. In his first career action against Duke on Oct. 27, 2018, he rushed for 137 yards and two scores.
Carter was moved from wide receiver to running back in the spring of 2019, his third position in under a year.
He’ll have to sit out the 2020 season if he transfers to another FBS school and is not able to secure an NCAA waiver. Carter will have two seasons of eligibly remaining.
Pitt retains significant depth at running back, with co-starters A.J. Davis and Vincent Davis returning as well as Todd Sibley, Jr., who is coming off an injury and Daniel Carter who redshirted in 2019. Four-star running back Israel Abanikanda is the lone back in Pitt’s Class of 2020.
With Carter’s departure, Pitt has one open scholarship ahead of the upcoming season.
Good programs lose good players to transfer, this isn’t all bad. I don’t think he was used properly this year, too many runs up the middle and not enough opportunities to use his speed. Best of luck, I hope he finds a good situation. Next man up!
I think the lack of communication thing stands out to me… as well the staff’s inability to use talent in the right ways. He definitely could have been used on screens and other gadget plays more, especially since 2/3 of the other running backs have underwhelmed.