Tom Hanson: Naples grad gives roomie Heisman nod

The former Naples High standout also is thankful to be at the University of Pittsburgh.

He's thankful that Pitt has a chance to win the Big East and go to a BCS bowl game with a win over Miami on Saturday night.

Carter especially is thankful that wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is his teammate and not an opponent. As a second-string defensive back for the Panthers, Carter, a sophomore, understands the daunting task of stopping Fitzgerald. He lines up against him every day in practice.

He knows first-hand why Fitzgerald has scored a touchdown in a record 17 consecutive games.

"I'm very thankful that he's on our team," Carter says "He's just a great all-round receiver. Great hands, great feet, great quickness. He's tough. He's a handful. And I'm glad he's on our side every Saturday."

This season, Fitzgerald has grabbed 84 passes for 1,569 yards and 21 touchdowns. His stats have made him one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. But because Fitzgerald is just a sophomore, many of the experts are giving the nod to Oklahoma's Jason White or Mississippi's Eli Manning, both quarterbacks and both seniors.

Carter has no doubts that Fitzgerald should become the first true wide receiver to win the award.

"I definitely think he should win," Carter says "I think the Heisman Trophy should go to the best player in college football and he's definitely the best player."

But excuse Carter for being a little bias. He's not only Fitzgerald's teammate. He's his roommate, too. The two share a off-campus apartment where the joking around can get a little out of hand.

"Since I have to cover him in practice and we are roommates there's a lot of smack talking and things like that," Carter says. "He's a real character. He can do and say some pretty funny things."

Carter says one thing no ever jokes about is the Heisman. He's says its almost taboo to talk about it when Fitzgerald is in the room.

"I've told him that he should win the Heisman but he rarely talks about it," Carter says. "So we don't bring it up much because we don't want to jinx him."

Another trophy Carter would like to see come to Pitt is the Big East Championship. Carter says the Miami matchup is one he looks forward to regardless of the ramifications.

"Miami is like my hometown rival," Carter said. "I wasn't a Miami fan, I was a Florida State fan growing up so this is a big game no matter what."

While Fitzgerald has emerged on the national scene, Carter is still waiting patiently for his chance to shine. Sitting behind four-year starter Shawntae Spencer, he's appeared in just four games for the Panthers. He knows his time will come next year. Carter says having to cover Fitzgerald every day has made him a better player.

"You can't stop him you can only hope to contain him," Carter said. "But covering him everyday makes all of the defensive backs better. He brings out the best of you."

Just another thing Carter is thankful for.