• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

LB Bobby Carpenter (All B1G, National Champion)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Sort by date Sort by votes
Posted: Oct. 22, 2010
New Lions LB Bobby Carpenter OK inside or outside
By DAVE BIRKETT
Free Press Sports Writer

Bobby Carpenter spent his first day as a Lion playing outside linebacker, but his eventual role is still to be determined -- and based partly on the health of DeAndre Levy.

Levy had a conditioning circuit Thursday, but still hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained ankle in his only game this year, a Week3 loss to the Vikings. He also has been bothered by a pulled groin, though the ankle has prevented him from properly testing that injury.

"If DeAndre (is healthy), he's the guy that we targeted as wanting to build around as our mike (middle) linebacker, so I think that we'd probably look at (Carpenter) outside," coach Jim Schwartz said. "But right now, with the injury situations that we have and with five different mike linebackers, he's going to get going at both."
Click to expand...


Read more: New Lions LB Bobby Carpenter OK inside or outside | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/201010...w-Lions-LB-OK-inside-or-outside#ixzz135TMXEsu
Last Updated: October 22. 2010
Lions: Notebook
New Lions linebacker Bobby Carpenter has time to learn
Tim Twentyman / The Detroit News

Allen Park — Linebacker Bobby Carpenter has been a member of the Lions organization for one day. He admitted Thursday his head is spinning trying to learn a new playbook and new teammates.

There's one thing he knows very well, though: the Lions' upcoming schedule. A schedule that takes the Lions down to Miami Dec. 26 to play the Dolphins.

Carpenter, 27, was signed as a free agent by the Lions Wednesday after the Dolphins released him on Monday.

"I did look at that schedule," he said. "I saw it from when I was in Miami.

We have a lot of things to do before (the Miami game). But that's something I'll be looking forward to."

Carpenter, 27, was a first-round draft pick (18th overall) by the Cowboys in 2006 out of Ohio State. In four seasons with the Cowboys, Carpenter failed to earn a starting role, though he did play a lot of nickel linebacker in 2009.

He was traded to the Rams this offseason and spent training camp with them before he was cut Sept. 4. He was with the Dolphins the first six weeks of the season.

"I'm excited to be here now," he said. "I'm trying to move forward with everything."

The feeling is mutual for a Lions team that has struggled to keep linebackers healthy this season.

"We've had some issues at linebacker," said coach Jim Schwartz. "We've played five (middle) linebackers this year and our depth is down there a little bit where Zack (Follett) is and DeAndre Levy and things like that. It made sense to get him here and get him going."
Click to expand...

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/2010...bby-Carpenter-has-time-to-learn#ixzz135TmAGcl

Carpenter, Lions a good fit
Mike O'Hara
FOX Sports Detroit

Allen Park -- The Lions and newly acquired linebacker Bobby Carpenter should be a good fit for each other.

Carpenter is looking for a new opportunity in his career, and the Lions need help at a position weakened by injury.

Carpenter, a 2006 first-round draft choice by Dallas out of Ohio State, worked out for the coaches and scouts Wednesday and signed after the workout. He practiced with the Lions for the first time on Thursday.

“He’s got the size and speed and the athletic ability that we’re looking for,” coach Jim Schwartz told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “He has experience. He’s a multidimensional player. He’s played inside, he’s played outside, and he’s played in the nickel.”
Click to expand...

http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/10/...d-fit/landing.html?blockID=336093&feedID=3701
 
Upvote 0
Will Carpenter help Lions build a winner?
Published: Friday, October 29, 2010
By Paula Pasche, For the Daily Tribune

ALLEN PARK ? Gunther Cunningham feels the Lions hit the jackpot when they signed linebacker Bobby Carpenter last week.

"I really liked him coming out (of Ohio State), I watched him a lot. Like I told him, it's true for all of us, sometimes you hit the jackpot when you move on and hopefully he has," the Lions defensive coordinator said. "I think he's got a good future in the game and I'm really pulling for him."

Carpenter, a former first-round pick who was just cut by the Miami Dolphins, is excited about the new opportunity in Detroit.

"The fact (Cunningham) has confidence in me makes all the difference in the world, I feel I'll be able to get this down and get out there," Carpenter said.

He's been working at the outside positions, but is not sure if he will play on Sunday against the Redskins.

"The scheme is pretty complicated, but I think I'm starting to get it down," Carpenter said. "They told me to be ready and tell me what I feel comfortable with by the end of the week."
Click to expand...

http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/10/29/sports/srv0000009803561.txt
 
Upvote 0
Bobby Carpenter's return to Cowboys Stadium may not happen
Wed., Nov. 17, 2010
Gerry Fraley / Reporter

Detorit linebacker Bobby Carpenter -- remember him? -- did not practice on Wednesday because of a toe injury and could miss the Lions' game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

For those with short memory, the Cowboys selected Carpenter in the first round of the 2006 draft with the 18th pick overall. On May 10, the Cowboys traded Carpenter to St. Louis for offensive tackle Alex Barron. Since then, Carpenter has been released by the Rams and MIami before landing with Detroit.

Carpenter has appeared in three games with the Lions and has not participated in a tackle.
Click to expand...

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/11/carpenters-return-to-cowboys-s.html
 
Upvote 0
Lions Q&A: Linebacker Bobby Carpenter worked as a lifeguard, loves watching 'The Office'
Published: Sunday, November 21, 2010
Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press

ALLEN PARK -- A question-and-answer session with linebacker Bobby Carpenter.

Q: Is being part of 4-3 defensive alignment again a better fit for your skill set?
A: I like this defense a lot. I've been in it for a couple of weeks and I'm starting to get a feel for it. I understand it, it's very aggressive and we've had some success with it. It's good for me and I'll be able to make some plays in it. They think I've got the potential to (be a contributor) and they're going to give me a chance to do that. I'm excited about the opportunity to come back to the Midwest and play for a really upstart team. It's a team that's on the cusp of really doing some special stuff.

Q: Any nicknames?
A: Some guys call me 'Carp,' but that's about it. (Former Ohio State teammate A.J.) Hawk had some things he'd call me, but that's off the record. We had some things we'd call each other, but I can't repeat them.

Q: Your childhood heroes?
A: My parents, Rob and Suzy, are probably first and foremost. My dad played (for the Houston Oilers, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams), so I had him to look at for that. My mom was very athletic. They're both very hard-working people. I was a big Giants fan growing up, so I liked Lawrence Taylor because he was a linebacker.

Q: Best player in the NFL?
A: You have to look at a guy like Peyton Manning and what he brings to his team. You look at Calvin Johnson and what he's able to do on the field. There's certain people that impact a game. Adrian Peterson is a guy like that. He's a guy that can do some special stuff with the football.

Q: Favorite athlete to watch in another sport?
A: I was a big LeBron fan until he left Cleveland. I'm probably in a transition period with that now. I've always respected (Boston Celtics shooting guard) Ray Allen. He's unbelievable how quick he gets his shot off, and just for the type of player and person he is.

Q: Your best football moment?
A: I've had some good ones. We won the national championship at Ohio State my freshman year, but I didn't get to play a ton (in the title game). I'd say one of the two Ohio State-Michigan games, either my junior or senior year. Those are pretty special memories for me.

Q: If you were NFL commissioner for a day, what would you change?
A: There's a lot of ways to go with that. I'd probably have to do something about the hits and fines. I understand they're trying to preach safety and all that, but some of those things. ... At some point, you don't have complete control of your body when you're getting hit or blocked by somebody else. There's some tough situations we get put in.

BOBBY CARPENTER
Age: 27

Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio

Size: 6-foot-2, 249 pounds

College: Ohio State

Acquired: Signed by the Detroit Lions as a free agent on Oct. 20, 2010.

Scouting report: The fifth-year pro is with his fourth team this year. He was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (No. 18 overall) in the 2006 NFL draft and played for them from 2006-09. He was traded to the St. Louis Rams on May 10, 2010, released by St. Louis on Sept. 4 and signed by the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 6 but later released. ... He has appeared in 64 NFL games and started five times in five seasons. ... Has four tackles (three solo) for the Lions in four game since joining the team. ... Plays mostly on special teams. ... He starred at Ohio State in a 4-3 alignment, but struggled in a 3-4 scheme in Dallas. ... Has the size and speed to stop the run, rush the passer and cover backs and tight ends in pass coverage.
Click to expand...

Q: Your first job?
A: I was a lifeguard growing up. I swam my whole life and I grew up near a pool, so I was a lifeguard for eight years -- from when I was 15 as a freshman in high school until my senior year in college.

Cont....
Click to expand...

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/11/lions_qa_linebacker_bobby_carp.html
 
Upvote 0
Posted: Dec. 17, 2010
Lions' Bobby Carpenter could start at outside linebacker
By DAVE BIRKETT
Free Press Sports Writer

Lions coach Jim Schwartz was optimistic Landon Johnson could return from the neck injury that got him carted off the field last Sunday in time for this week's game at Tampa Bay.

But Johnson hasn't practiced this week, because of the injury and a virus floating around team headquarters, leaving Bobby Carpenter to take first-team reps at outside linebacker.

"Hopefully, I've got my opportunity, I'll be able to make the most of it," Carpenter said. "The door to opportunity knocks, you've got to be ready to answer -- so hopefully I'll be ready to go."

A former first-round pick of the Cowboys, Carpenter has played mostly on special teams since signing with the Lions in mid-October. He saw his most extensive action in the second half last week after Johnson's injury.

Carpenter, who spent training camp with the Rams and made two starts this season for the Dolphins, said his learning curve with the Lions was slowed by a defense that was "a little bit more difficult to pick up than I anticipated."

Carpenter has played in a 3-4 defense most of his career; the Lions run a 4-3 scheme with left and right outside linebackers, not strong- and weak-side ones.

"In theory, it sounds like it'd be easier just playing one side, but you really have to know both positions based upon the formation that comes out," Carpenter said. "They're not worrying about me learning what to do. They're trying to get guys ready each week, so I'm having to do it based upon mental reps and watching film as opposed to being actually out there participating."

Not this week. While Carpenter has put in his usual time in the film room, he also has been a fixture on the field. That's something defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has been trying to make happen for months.

"I was getting real frustrated about not having the opportunity to give him snaps. I mean, I was really frustrated," Cunningham said. "And Landon Johnson, when he went down, I was sick. I didn't know what we were going to do next, and (Carpenter) stepped up and really did a good job.

"He knows everything, and now he can start being part of this thing."
Click to expand...

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...enter-could-start-at-OLB&template=fullarticle

Last Updated: December 17. 2010
Lions: Notebook
Lions linebacker Bobby Carpenter's time coming
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

Allen Park? Not that linebacker Bobby Carpenter has been chomping at the bit for some game reps or anything, but there was a point in the 7-3 win over Green Bay Sunday when defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham thought Carpenter was the 12th man on the field.

"I looked up and I knew I had 12 guys out there," Cunningham said. "And I knew Bobby Carpenter wasn't supposed to be out there. But (linebackers coach) Matt Burke was up in the box and he said, 'Get off of him, Gun, he's just cheering them on.'"Carpenter, who came to the Lions in Week 7, might be counted on to do a lot more than cheer this week. With starting outside linebacker Landon Johnson (neck and illness) not able to practice this week, Carpenter could get his first start for the Lions Sunday at Tampa Bay.

"I just have to pick up where everybody left off," said Carpenter, who took reps with the first defensive unit on Thursday.

It has been a bit of a mystery why it has taken Carpenter so long to get this opportunity. He was a first-round pick of the Cowboys out of Ohio State in 2006 and he never has been able to secure a starting role. Even with all the injuries the Lions have endured at linebacker, it has taken seven weeks for Carpenter to finally get into the rotation.

"I was getting real frustrated by not getting the opportunity to give him some snaps," Cunningham said. "Really frustrated. When Landon Johnson went down I was sick. I didn't know what we'd do next and Bobby stepped up and really did a good job. He knows everything now and he can start being a part of this thing."

Although Carpenter has played the outside in a 4-3 scheme before, it took a long while for him to find his bearings.

"Patience is the key when you are in these situations," he said. "This system was a little more difficult to pick up than I anticipated. It's different than anything I've been a part of. So, factor that in and hopefully I've got my opportunity and I am going to be able to make the most of it.

"The secret here is when opportunity knocks, you have to be ready to answer."

Johnson's absence from practice Thursday was because of flu-like symptoms. He is the second player this week to miss with the flu. Chris Houston missed Wednesday but was back Thursday.
Click to expand...


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101217...r-Bobby-Carpenter?s-time-coming#ixzz18Mqs7sGT
 
Upvote 0
Carpenter proves to be good addition
Published: Friday, December 17, 2010
By PAULA PASCHE
JRC News Service

ALLEN PARK ? Gunther Cunningham was more than a little concerned when he saw 12 of his defensemen on the field at once during Sunday's win over the Packers.

"They had nine personnel groups, we were rolling on defense, matching them up at times, not matching them up,'' the Lions defensive coordinator said. "One time I looked up I knew I had 12 out there and I knew (Bobby Carpenter) wasn't supposed to be out there.''

Cunningham then got word from on-high (the coaches in the press box) that Carpenter was just out there cheering on his teammates.

It's just Carpenter's way.

"I was trying to show some passion out there," the veteran Carpenter said. "I've never been in a situation where I've been part of the lack of success each Sunday, especially when you're close and you're right there in every game. Sometime you're looking for an edge any way. I'm making sure each game I try to bring enthusiasm and passion and it's tough.''

He was brought into the Lions fold on Oct. 20 after injuries to the linebackers continued to grow.

Carpenter has seen time mostly on special teams until last Sunday when Landon Johnson was carted off the field with a neck injury.

"He's stepped up and did a great job for us. He's really bright. I was getting real frustrated by not having the opportunity to give him snaps. I was really frustrated,'' Cunningham said. "Landon Johnson, when he went down, I was sick. I didn't know what we were going to do next. (Carpenter) stepped up and really did a good job. He knows everything, now he can start being a part of this thing.''

Cont...
Click to expand...

http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2010/12/17/sports/srv0000010325446.txt?viewmode=fullstory
 
Upvote 0
Bobby Carpenter played most of the game at outside linebacker in Landon Johnson?s place and should start Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, though Schwartz said the Lions could compartmentalize Johnson?s duties and use different players in different packages.

Carpenter made a game-high nine tackles against the Dolphins.

Carpenter ?was pretty productive and he was very disciplined in his coverage, did a really nice job, particularly in the two-minute drive,? Schwartz said. ?Guys like Bobby Carpenter and Eric King both did a really good job of taking some of the throws away that they wanted to get and forced the quarterback to hold it or check the ball down, and had a lot to do with us being able to bleed the clock at the end.?
Click to expand...

Read more: Lions expect Calvin Johnson, Chris Houston to play | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/201012...n-Johnson-Chris-Houston-to-play#ixzz19VBwqP9F
 
Upvote 0
Posted: Jan. 14, 2011
Lions LB Bobby Carpenter hopes to compete for starting spot next season
By DAVE BIRKETT
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

bilde

Lions linebacker Bobby Carpenter played significant minutes at outside linebacker in Detroit's last four games. (JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press)
Bobby Carpenter by the numbers

GAMES TACKLES
SEASON TEAM G GS TOTAL SOLO AST SCK
2010 DET 10 2 30 21 9 0
2010 MIA 5 2 10 9 1 0
2009 DAL 16 2 46 37 9 2
2008 DAL 13 0 13 9 4 0
2007 DAL 16 0 18 11 7 0
2006 DAL 13 1 19 15 4 1
TOTALS -- 73 7 136 102 34 3
Click to expand...

DALLAS -- With Julian Peterson's pending release next month and uncertainty surrounding Zack Follett's return from a neck injury, the Lions are in the market for help at outside linebacker this off-season -- though maybe not as much as first thought.

Bobby Carpenter, who'll likely become an unrestricted free agent this off-season, said Tuesday he hopes to sign a long-term deal with the Lions after playing significant minutes at outside linebacker during the team's season-ending four-game winning streak.

"I talked to my agent (Monday) night and they said they wanted to have me back," Carpenter said. "Everything being equal, if they would like to re-sign me -- they're obviously the only team that could give me an extension, I guess, before the lockout; I'd be willing to do that. If everything worked out, I would like to be back there."

Carpenter started late-season games against the Buccaneers and Vikings, and led the Lions with 10 tackles as an injury replacement for Landon Johnson during a December win at Miami.

He said beating the Dolphins, the team he was released by in October, "meant a lot to me on a personal level."

"This year, going from St. Louis to Miami to (Detroit), it was a very tumultuous year for my family and I," Carpenter said. "It really makes you wonder, is this what you want to do? Football, is that what you still want to be involved in?"

Cont...
Click to expand...

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...arpenter-wants-to-return&template=fullarticle
 
Upvote 0
Detroit Lions' Martin Mayhew insists Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer can be starters
Published: Friday, February 25, 2011
By Tom Kowalski

INDIANPOLIS - There's no question the Detroit Lions need to upgrade their talent at the outside linebacker position, but general manager Martin Mayhew said today that the club has two players - Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer - who will compete for starting jobs.

There are reasons Mayhew is being so adamant about this. One, is that he could be trying to get other teams off the scent of Detroit taking linebackers at some point in the draft. Two, if the Lions don't get the linebackers they're looking for in the draft or free agency (whenever that might be - if at all), Mayhew doesn't want to leave anyone with the impression that Detroit is incredibly weak at that spot. And, three, he just might really believe it.

"Guys like Bobby Carpenter, Nathan Vasher, Ashlee Palmer and John Wendling, down the stretch those guys had a huge impact for us,'' Mayhew said. "I thought Bobby did an outstanding job. He came in and learned our systems and knew all the spots, special teams and he made some big plays for us on the field. He made a couple of big plays in the passing game for us on third down. We were happy with his performance, we thought he did a really good job.''

When asked if Carpenter could compete for a starting job, Mayhew said, "I see him certainly as a guy who competes for a job at outside linebacker and I see Ashlee the same way. Both of those guys have played well enough and there's enough good tape of those guys playing in our system to say those guys can be starters.''
Click to expand...

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/02/detroit_lions_martin_mayhew_in.html
 
Upvote 0
Lions Bobby Carpenter, Ashlee Palmer vie for outside linebacker spot
Mar 6, 2011
BY DAVE BIRKETT
DETROIT FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

With free agency on hold pending a new collective bargaining agreement and only five picks in April's draft, the Lions might not be able to fill both of their vacancies at outside linebacker this off-season. Of course, to hear general manager Martin Mayhew, they may not have two holes to fill.

Mayhew said at the NFL combine Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer will contend for starting spots next season. Carpenter signed in October as a free agent and started two games at the end of the year. Palmer played mostly on special teams after being claimed off waivers from the Bills.

"I thought Bobby did an outstanding job," Mayhew said. "He knew all the spots, knew all the special-teams stuff, and he made plays for us on the field. He made a couple big plays in the passing game on third downs for us, so we were happy with his performance.

"I see him certainly as a guy who competes for a starting job at outside linebacker for us, and I see Ashlee the same way. Both those guys have played well enough. and there's enough good tape of those guys playing in our system, to say those guys can be starters."

Carpenter likely will be an unrestricted free agent under the next CBA, but he told the Free Press after the season he hoped to sign a long-term deal with the Lions.
Click to expand...

http://www.freep.com/article/201103...ter-Ashlee-Palmer-vie-outside-linebacker-spot
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top