Wide receiver DeAndre Carter has been on a historical scoring pace this season. The senior has broken several Sacramento State career and single-game records, while projecting to set more this season.

After two touchdown catches against Cal Poly, the senior broke the tie with Fred Amey to take sole possession of the Hornet record in receiving touchdowns with 29. He needs 468 yards with four games to play to move into second in career receiving yardage.

The wide receiver burst onto the scene in 2013 by hauling in 64 receptions for 934 yards and his 14 touchdown receptions tied a school record. His dynamic play earned him Team Offensive MVP and All-Big Sky First Team honors.

Although still in the midst of another breakout campaign, a quick look into the history of the senior would prove he is no newcomer to the gridiron.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound speedster has been working over half of his life in hopes of manifesting NFL dreams he aspired at a very young age.

“I’ve been playing football since I was about 10 years old,” Carter said. “I knew from my first time on the field that I wanted to commit to it and give it my all.”

DeAndre Carter credits his success and passion for the game to a loving family who showed unconditional support. He honed his skills at a young age through the knowledge of his father, Andre Carter, as well as his uncle who played at the collegiate level.

His father attends every home game at Hornet Stadium and still offers words of wisdom whenever his son needs motivation or encouragement.

“My dad and I have always been very close, he’s my best friend,” DeAndre Carter said. “He’s the one who put a ball in my hands and has supported me ever since.”

His father reflected on the growth of his son from a Pop Warner prospect to a decorated college football player.

“It’s been a great ride watching him get better and better at every level,” Andre Carter said. “He started off as one of the smallest kids out there, but it never mattered to him because he was always willing to outwork everybody.”

Andre Carter knew he was raising a competitor from his son’s earliest years.

“He’s always loved to win, even before football, it was the video games,” he said with a chuckle. The father and son still enjoy competing in Madden and NBA 2K matches, when they are not in the weight room or studying film.

Sac State’s wide receiver coach Jason Pollak has been proud to see Carter put his name in the record books.

“It’s really a testament to him and how hard he works,” Pollak said. “With his film study and how he prepares himself, it’s r ally no surprise to me what he’s

doing on the field. He is truly a student of the game.”

DeAndre Carter continues to train and diet with his mentors to ensure he stays in top-notch shape and performs his best. With hopes he could get the chance to showcase his talent on the professional level, he listed the San Francisco 49ers as his dream franchise to play for. The team captain insisted that he is focused on enjoying his time in college and winning games for the team.

“I’d certainly feel blessed to get that kind of opportunity,” he said. “At the same time, I can’t lose focus of right now and this season. Wins for the team always come first before any personal accolade. Those achievements are in honor of my family.”

Carter’s father echoed praises of his son’s selfless attitude and believes his mentality is the reason why he will be successful in any endeavor he takes on.

“He’s a coach’s dream because if you give him the chance to prove himself, he’ll be your hardest worker and your best teammate,” Andre Carter said. “He’s a smart young man too. That’s why I know he’ll succeed regardless of what he does after graduation.”