Carter excited over first offer

Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson had a pair of players sign with Division I schools in the 2012 class, and junior wide receiver Eric Carter is hoping to continue that trend next year.

"I can't wait until I get to sign," Carter said. "I felt really good for my teammates that got to sign this year and I just can't wait until I get to do it next year."

All signs point to Carter having plenty of options when next February rolls around. The rising senior already has an early verbal offer from Cincinnati. He received that offer, his first, this past week.

"I was extremely happy," Carter said of receiving the offer. "It kind of came out of nowhere because I never received any letters from them. They came to see me at school but I was working out so I didn't get to meet them. It came during my teammate's signing day. My coach just told me that I had my first offer. It felt great."

Since receiving the offer, Carter has been able to get into contact with the Bearcats coaching staff.

"I talked to Coach (T.J.) Weist, the receivers coach, and Coach (Dave) Johnson," Carter said. "They said they are interested because they like my route running, my hands, and the catches that I made on my highlight. They also like that I have good grades."

The Central Florida prospect has not yet hit the road for any visits, but he hopes to change that in the coming months with a few locations in mind.

"I haven't been anywhere yet," Carter said. "I plan on visiting Cincinnati. I also want to visit Georgia and Miami for a Junior Day, also USF for a Junior Day. That is all I have planned right now."

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound wideout said he has always been a Miami fan, but that Georgia's program and Alabama's winning tradition also stand out to him. He hopes to draw more interest from all three of those programs.

As a junior, Carter recorded 51 receptions for 860 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. He also rushed for a touchdown.