James Carpenter knows about humble beginnings in college football.
From a 400 student high school (Roanoke Catholic) in Virginia, he was thought to be too short to play in the trenches — and had no college offers.
Curt Cignetti discovered the 6-foot-2 Carpenter at a summer camp when he was still head coach at Elon. Soon after Cignetti was hired by James Madison, his staff contacted Carpenter with the only thing he needed — an opportunity.
Carpenter began his career at JMU in 2019 while the program was still a Football Championship Subdivision squad, and he was a walk-on for his first two seasons with the Dukes. He turned that into a scholarship, and ultimately two straight seasons as an All-League player in the Sun Belt Conference.
Once thought of as a weakness, Carpenter turned his height into a leverage advantage, and he became of master of utilizing his hands. Playing nose tackle and defensive tackle, Carpenter has amassed 141 career tackles, 28.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He’s added two interceptions, two recovered fumbles and one forced fumble.
And for his sixth and final year in college, it’s time to level up once more.
Carpenter followed Cignetti to Indiana for a chance to play for a Power Four program.
“It’s a dream come true,” Carpenter said on Thursday after practice in Bloomington. “As a little kid you’re watching these type of games, playing Ohio State, playing Michigan, playing Big Ten football. So being able to get an opportunity like this, it’s once in a lifetime. I hope to be able to make the most of it.”
The move to Power Four FBS football won’t be easy. But Carpenter does have the luxury of not having to learn a new system. He’ll have the same defensive line coach — Indianapolis native Pat Kuntz, and the same defensive coordinator — former Ball State linebacker Bryant Haines. They both came from JMU to Indiana with Cignetti too.
And by this point, Carpenter has defied the odds enough to know better than to doubt himself.
From no offers, to walk-on. From FCS to FBS. From backup to All-Conference.
Carpenter just keeps finding a way.
Playing in the Big Ten didn’t seem possible early on, and now it’s just the next opportunity. The last opportunity. At least in college.
“If you were to tell me that I’d be standing here five or six years ago. I would’ve told you you’re crazy. It’s been an awesome journey so far,” he said.
“Something I’ll also remember and always take pride in is being a walk-on. Having these jobs not finished, you got one season left, one more ride with me. So, I’m going to make the most of it and just enjoy the time I have with these guys.”
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