From middle line backer and offensive tackler in frosh football to outside linebacker on varsity, sophomore Carter Nguyen is a “super sophomore” — an underclassman receiving substantial varsity play time.
Nguyen began playing flag football in elementary school, following in the footsteps of an older sibling, before transitioning to tackle football in eighth grade. Head football coach Peter Abe said his time spent in the weight room before high school gave him a physical edge when he joined the team as a freshman.
“He brings the physicality, he brings the smarts, he brings the speed, he brings the mobility to do it all,” Abe said. “Not only is he doing all the things that are essential to be a good defensive player overall in the field, but I think he’s really coming into his own as a really, really good football player.”
While Nguyen’s strength gave him an early advantage, playing football also came with its challenges — from sealing the edge and dropping back for passes to mastering position-specific skills. Through off-season drills, lifting sessions and cardio workouts, he continues to build the endurance needed to meet those demands, according to Nguyen and Abe, respectively.
“Having that open mind and being flexible has been a huge adjustment for him, but he’s taken it in stride,” Abe said. “I think in the beginning of the year, starting as a third, fourth-string back up [one may think] ‘I’m a sophomore, I got juniors and seniors ahead of me.’ But [he’s been] staying positive and working. Now, he’s taking advantage of some opportunities and become ‘the guy.’”
Abe said that Nguyen’s positive attitude reflects a love for the sport and working with teammates. Despite challenges such as the emotional obstacles that come with losing a game, being in a team allows him to discuss those emotions, Nguyen’s mother Duan Nguyen said.
“I hope he learns how to become more of a team player and learn how to deal with wins and losses and be humble,” Duan Nguyen said. “I want him to overall be a better person, learn how to be more mature, and have respect for the players [and] other coaches.”
For Nguyen, a memory thus far in playing on the football team is going to CIF last season. This year, he looks forward to winning the next games and winning CIF while he considers pursuing football beyond high school. His teammates who pursued football in college inspired him to consider this future path.
“All of the teammates are really great friends, and most of my friends I got to hang out with outside of school or from football,” Carter Nguyen said. “I feel like the experience has made me more confident and outgoing.”
