AUBURN, Ala. – For senior defensive lineman Trill Carter, coming to Auburn was a dream come true. Knowing former players from his hometown who went on to be stars at Auburn, it was always the school he wanted to attend, and he never gave up on that dream.
After an impressive playing career at Minnesota and Texas, Carter transferred to Auburn in January with one season left to play.
“Before I started getting recruited in high school, this was my dream school,” he said. “I had always wanted to play here because some people from my hometown played here, like Montravius Adams and Big Kat Bryant. I just always wanted to follow in those guys’ footsteps, but I never had the opportunity.”
Carter, a 23-year-old from Leesburg, Georgia, played his senior season at Lee County High School. He enrolled at Minnesota out of high school; while playing for the Gophers, he got his bachelor’s degree in 2023 in youth studies, which has been a passion of his.
“I have always had my foot in the door with being around young kids and mentoring young kids,” the Academic All-Big Ten honoree said. “That’s what I have been doing my whole college career.”
After his four-year stint at Minnesota, Carter transferred to Texas for the 2023 season and continued to gain experience with age and being around veteran players. Now a veteran himself, he’s confident as he takes aim at his goals for the upcoming season with Auburn.
“To win, I have been a part of some good teams with Texas and Minnesota, so I have had experience there,” Carter said. “Individually, I have not set any (goals) yet, but I just came here to help the team any way I can. I’m an older player with a lot of experience and I’ve played a lot of football. I don’t want to just throw out stats and stuff. I want to be able to help my team as much as I can.”
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AUBURN, AL – APRIL 06 – Auburn Defensive Lineman Trill Carter (92) during the A-Day game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Photo by Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers
As he approaches his final season of college football, Carter is more than ready after learning from older players throughout his career.
“It is finally here,” he said. “As a young guy, you don’t take advantage of those years. I remember when I was a freshman and sophomore and there were fifth- and sixth-year guys on my team. I thought I could never be in their situations. I would stop playing. Now the tables have turned. Now I am in their situation.”
Carter’s dream of playing at Auburn stayed with him even after he left high school and went to Minnesota, and when that dream became a reality this April, playing for Auburn in the annual A-Day spring game, it was a feeling unlike any other.
“It felt unreal because I never thought I would be here,” Carter said. “I never thought I would get the opportunity, and it took years for me to get here. I loved the experience, and I am just blessed to be here. This is where I have always wanted to be. Growing up, I always watched Auburn football, and my past teammates played for Auburn. It was overall a great experience, especiall
y with most of the fans out there.”
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