Asti: Devin Carter Reaching Potential Allows WVU Offense to be Explosive

West Virginia added Devin Carter to be their number one receiver. Carter wanted to become a Mountaineer to show he can be a top guy in an offense. And we are just now seeing signs of how much of a threat Carter can truly be.

While it’s hard to find bright spots about losing in the final play of a game, some do exist from WVU’s loss to Houston last Thursday night. The defense and special teams units were at their worst, but the offense was at its best. A big reason the offense was able to finally look explosive was the emergence of Carter.

After only recording three total receptions in his three previous games combined, Carter caught five balls against the Cougars. But more importantly, Carter surpassed 100 yards for the first time as a Mountaineer. He posted 116 yards for an average of 23.2 yards per catch.

“I felt like I just got comfortable and got a few more opportunities this game. I was glad to capitalize on them,” said Carter about what led his big night. Prior to this game, Carter’s season opening effort against Penn State stands as the only other game he has been able to impact.

Just looking at his numbers alone, it’s easy to say Houston has been Carter’s best individual game this season. However, a big reason why his coaches feel like they have finally unlocked the veteran receiver is the belief he actually should have produced even more.

Both head coach Neal Brown and offensive coordinator Chad Scott mentioned that Carter left a lot of yards on the field that night. Carter was targeted several more times and missed a few other catches he should make. They believe the decision to move him inside allowed the Devin Carter they thought they were getting when he transferred to show up on the field.

Some may focus on the fact he should have been even better, but Brown, Scott and the rest of the WVU staff knows that Carter took a big step forward and it’s not easy to build chemistry between a quarterback and any receiver, most notably his top guy. This has been extra tough for Carter and Garrett Greene since they have only been able to play together a few games to this point.

WVU WR Devin Carter feels like his chemistry with Garrett Greene is just now starting to develop.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 16, 2023

Carter even admitted Greene missing time with an injury delayed the ability for them to develop the necessary bond. It’s not just about Greene’s injury either. Carter sat out the Duquesne game himself after getting banged up in practice during the week leading up the game.

The one advantage Greene and Carter have had is that Carter is used to dealing with a roller coaster ride at quarterback. He had four different quarterbacks throw him a pass in 2022, a season North Carolina State was still able to reach a bowl game.

But that doesn’t mean WVU doesn’t benefit from having Carter as part of the fold beyond the statistics too. Carter instantly started acting like the leader of an otherwise young receiver room. That type of mentorship was needed to help some of his teammates deal with the trials and tribulations that are bound to occur throughout a season.

WVU WR Devin Carter says he made sure to help pick the team up after losing in such a tough way.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 16, 2023

Unfortunately for Carter, his two big games have both come in losses. The pressure is now on for him to show what he can do all over again, and do it for the first time in front of the home fans. The West Virginia offense will rely on Carter to duplicate the explosiveness that occurred in Houston.

And if Devin Carter can continue this type of production, he will then truly earn that wide receiver one label he’s been coveting.