James Carpenter (defensive tackle)

Last updated
James Carpenter
Personal information
Born: (2001-05-31) May 31, 2001 (age 24)
Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:293 lb (133 kg)
Career information
Position: Defensive tackle
High school: Roanoke Catholic (VA)
College: James Madison (2019–2023)
Indiana (2024)
NFL draft: 2025: undrafted
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards

James Carpenter (born May 31, 2001) is an American professional football defensive tackle. He played college football for the James Madison Dukes and Indiana Hoosiers.

Contents

Early life

Carpenter attended Roanoke Catholic School in Roanoke, Virginia. He committed to play college football for the James Madison Dukes, joining the team as a walk-on. [1] [2]

College career

James Madison

During his first three seasons from 2019 through 2021, Carpenter appeared in 16 games with 13 starts, where he totaled 36 tackles with seven and a half being for a loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, and an interception. [3] [4] [5] In 2022, he tallied 51 tackles with 11.5 being for a loss, five and a half sacks, and three pass deflections. [6] In week two of the 2023 season, Carpenter notched four tackles with one and a half being for a loss, and a pass deflection, in a win over Virginia. [7] In week seven, he recorded an interception in a 41–13 win over Georgia Southern. [8] Carpenter finished the 2023 season starting all 13 games for James Madison, where he notched 53 tackles with nine being for a loss, four sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. [9] Carpenter was named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. [10] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. [11] [12]

Indiana

Carpenter transferred to play for the Indiana Hoosiers. [13] [14] For his performance during the 2024 season, he was once again named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. [15]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+78 in
(1.85 m)
293 lb
(133 kg)
31 in
(0.79 m)
9+78 in
(0.25 m)
4.99 s1.70 s2.88 s4.56 s7.84 s29.0 in
(0.74 m)
8 ft 6 in
(2.59 m)
22 reps
All values from Pro Day [16]

On April 27, 2025, Carpenter signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. [17] He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. [18]

References

  1. Fleischman, Noah (3 August 2023). "From Under Recruited To JMU's Defensive Star, Carpenter's Rise A Product Of Belief". Daily News-Record. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  2. Schauman, Mike (2 August 2024). "From walk-on to All-Conference, James Carpenter is ready for another challenge". The Daily Hoosier. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  3. "James Carpenter". James Madison University Athletics. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  4. Fleischman, Noah (12 September 2022). "Carpenter Paces JMU's Stout Run Defense". Daily News-Record. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  5. Madia, Greg (17 August 2021). "FIELD NOTES: Dukes' Carpenter Builds Off Strong Spring". Daily News-Record. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  6. "James Carpenter 2022 Game Logs". Sports Reference. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  7. Elliott, Cody (11 September 2023). "JMU's Carpenter Honored Nationally". Daily News-Record. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  8. Mettlen, Steve. "JMU NOTEBOOK: Carpenter Shows Athleticism On Interception". Daily News-Record. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  9. Osterman, Zach (1 August 2024). "James Carpenter's escape from JMU gives IU one of college football's most-used DTs". IndyStar. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  10. "James Carpenter Honored as Burlsworth Trophy Finalist". James Madison University Athletics. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  11. "In the region: JMU's Carpenter, Horton enter transfer portal". Roanoke Times. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  12. "JMU's James Carpenter enters transfer portal". Haystack News. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  13. McMahon, Colin (11 August 2024). "Indiana football player preview: Defensive Lineman James Carpenter". Rivals.com. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  14. Golden, Todd (August 2024). "Indiana Defensive Tackle James Carpenter Embodies Cignetti Philosophy". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  15. "Carpenter Named Finalist for Burlsworth Trophy". Indiana University Athletics. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  16. "James Carpenter College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
  17. "Jaguars Agree to Terms With 20 Undrafted Free Agents". Jaguars.com. April 27, 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  18. Oehser, John. "Jaguars Announce Initial 53-Man Roster for 2025". jaguars.com. Retrieved 27 August 2025.