Texas Tech wants what it can’t have and what it can’t have is Vanderbilt safety Dontae Carter. He is getting paid more than enough money on West End to be content right where he is.
The rising sophomore publicly rejected the Red Raiders’ associate head coach (even though it is not actually him) after a brief attempt to pull him out of Nashville, into the transfer portal and then on to Lubbock.
Carter, a former four-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2024, committed to the Commodores over 20 other scholarship offers. As a native of Cibolo, Texas, he grew up about six hours south of Texas Tech. The Red Raiders got him on campus in June of 2024, just a few days prior to his visit to Vanderbilt. His ultimately signed with the Dores in December.
Although Carter played limited snaps as a true freshman and blew a few coverages, he made 11 solo tackles with two pass deflections in five games. There is a high expectation that he will perform even better in a more expansive role during this upcoming season.
The most highly-touted recruit of head coach Clark Lea’s tenure recorded an interception during the spring game after an impressive start to the spring practice period. His length, athleticism and speed were on full display over the past few weeks. The staff at Vanderbilt is excited about his potential for a breakout year.
I see a guy who the game is slowing down for He’s communicating at a higher level. He’s gotta be the quarterback for the defense. There’s still a need to grow in those areas, but he looks like a guy that’s on his way to impacting winning for us […]
You’re seeing a guy who’s put on weight, he’s 185 now I think. He’s increased his lean muscle mass. He’s gotten stronger. He’s gotten faster. Those things are showing up for him on the field.
— Clark Lea
Dontae Carter is projected as a starter and the Commodores are paying him accordingly.
He posted a cryptic post on social media that made it seem like he might be distraught. Everybody had their own interpretation of the post depending on who they are and what team they root for.
One Texas Tech fan thought it would be fun to extend an offer on behalf of the Red Raiders. The account on X, @PennyKerryTT, is pretending to be the program’s associate head coach and special teams coordinator Kenny Perry. (It is not actually him!) He presented Carter with the opportunity to transfer.
Come be a Red Raider
— @PennyKerryTT
Whether he thought it was the real coach or not, Carter immediately shot him down. Vanderbilt is paying him well enough to where the idea of transferring is not an idea that has crossed his mind.
vandy take care of me we str8 🤝💰
— @DontaeCarter15
It seems as though Dontae Carter thought it was the real Kenny Perry based on their next exchange!
Texas Tech took a massive, extremely public L on Thursday. A player who once considered the program publicly rejected the Red Raiders because he is well compensated by the Commodores. Explain that to somebody in 2008!