CLASS A DIV. I BLOG: Lamar County LB Kaden Carter Player Spotlight

While Class A-Division 1 is littered with talent across the classification, there are plenty of prospects in the smaller classifications that deserve the attention and the recognition that many star athletes get at the bigger schools. 

Lamar County linebacker and Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s first-team all-state selection Kaden Carter is one of the many names that will have his name called on numerous occasions during the 2025 season. 

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Carter played a large role for the Trojans during their third-straight nine-plus win season a year ago as he played on both sides of the ball, making an impact anywhere he could. 

Carter led the team in rushing a season ago, amassing 857 rushing yards on 132 carries, finding the endzone 10 times while recording just over 71 rushing yards a game and even crossing the 100-yard mark on four occasions.

In his primary linebacker position, Carter recorded the second-most tackles on the team with 65 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception, creating chaos for opposing offenses. 

“The thoughts I have on playing both sides of the ball are good thoughts,” said Carter. “I love playing on both sides. It shows my talent and shows I can do it all.” 

The talented Barnesville-native committed to Maryland in April and is one of the Terrapins top commitments in the 2026 recruiting cycle. 

“Maryland is one of a kind,” said Carter. “The head coach (Locksley) is very outgoing and has his own program that helps coaches.”

According to 247Sports.com, Carter is a top-100 player in the state of Georgia in a very talented Class of 2026. 

Heading into the new season, Carter and the Trojans are looking to capitalize on their nine-win season a year ago as they are looking to make it out of the second round for the first time since 2013 under Franklin Stephens when the Trojans made their only state championship appearance in program history. 

Carter and the Trojans have put in plenty of work in the off-season and are hungry for more heading into the new season. 

“Last season was a very eye opening season,” said Carter. “I have gotten better at coming down here and using my hands more than usual.”

Carter credits his teammates Kenyae Barnes and Bryson Johnson as players who will take a leap in the new season, along with him believing the team will be more aggressive and explosive than ever before.  

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