2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carter Hooper, DL, University of South Dakota

• Name: Carter Hooper
• Position: Defensive Line
• College: University of Connecticut/University of South Dakota
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 260
• Twitter: @_carterhooper
• Instagram: @carter.hooper

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

I believe that my length and size is my biggest difference maker when it comes to my comparison between others at my position in this year’s draft. Paired well with my high football IQ and block recognition, I am able to make good reads and use my god given ability to put myself in the best position to make plays. I am able to create knock back and keep extension in the run to better help myself make reads and get off blocks. While in the pass my tall, long frame allows me to be effective in the rush and get into passing lanes.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing that I would want NFL teams to know about me is that I am relentless. When I set my mind on something there is nothing and nobody that will stray me from my goal. I grew up in Canada where football is not as popular as the United States. I earned an opportunity to play for a top 5 high school in the USA for the three years I attended IMG Academy. I earned a scholarship to play at the highest level of NCAA football (D1 FBS UConn) and helped them go from a 1-11 team to their first bowl birth in almost a decade. I transferred and earned an opportunity to play for a top 5 D1 FCS school (South
Dakota) and helped them get to their first National Semi Final berth in school history, first Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and third consecutive national quarterfinal appearance. None of this was given nor predicted for me when I was a young kid back home in Canada. However, I knew this is what I wanted and so I chased it, relentlessly.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I have had a number of people in my family affected by cancer during the course of my life so cancer research would be something I would love to donate too. However, another passion that I would want to donate to would be animal protection services. Whether that is stray animals needing homes or endangered species needing protection.

Who was your role model?

Growing up I have been lucky enough to have multiple role models. For starters my dad and grandpa have both been very successful in their lives. Both of whom have taught me many key lessons about working hard towards what you want, they both have had large impacts on who I am today as a man, athlete and aspiring professional. Secondly, I was lucky enough to be coached by two great men during my time in high school. Kevin Vickerson and Ernie Logan down at IMG are definitely people I look up to and have helped mold me into the athlete I am today. Both men played great roles in the furthering of my athletic career and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without them.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

New England Patriots

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Chris Dixon

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When someone talks over you, people that are rude to service workers or people that are unnecessarily messy/unhygienic.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favourite teacher ever actually wasn’t a true teacher. During my time at IMG Academy in Florida we had an administrator named Mrs. Gubernat, who was an extremely sweet woman. Since IMG was a boarding school she took on a motherly role for some of the athletes and it was just always something I remember and appreciated.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment so far in my life I’ve had to overcome was when my grandmother passed away in 2022. She supported me throughout a lot of my time in the states but never actually got the chance to see me play.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Chipotle, anyone that knows me knows I could eat it everyday without fail.

What is your favorite snack food?

I would say that varies a lot in regards to snack food but two consistent ones have always been planters peanuts and multigrain tostitos.

What is your degree in?

Have an Undergraduate degree in economics and a masters degree in marketing/leadership

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Tom Brady because he is my NFL

What is your biggest weakness?

I believe my biggest weakness is just that I am a bit too serious sometimes. There are
times I need to relax and enjoy the moments with my teammates and enjoy the game for
what it is.