by Mark Boleky , Florida Times-Union

"When I was in the locker room, I thought to myself for a second, 'This is something a lot of people dream about,'" he said. "I took a moment to think about my path and how I got to this level."

That opening preseason game at San Francisco on Aug. 14 not only marked Carter's first time in an NFL uniform, it was also the first time Carter and Broncos defensive end Marcus Thomas were teammates for a game since their days at Mandarin High School.

Carter, a 2004 Mandarin High graduate, signed with Denver as a rookie free agent in April after a stellar career at cornerback with Florida State University , joining Thomas, who is entering his third season.

When Carter showed up for training camp, he saw a familiar face.

"I think it helped him a lot for me to be there," said Thomas, a 2003 Mandarin High graduate. "I showed him around, showed him the ropes and protected him a little bit, so he didn't get hazed that much."

The 300-pound Thomas is a nice, large guardian to have, though he says he's about 30 pounds lighter than he was last season. Thomas started all 16 games at defensive tackle, but is moving to defensive end this year because of new head coach Josh McDaniels' 3-4 defense, which features three linemen instead of four. He recorded 34 tackles and one interception in 2008, and should see more opportunities for sacks in his new position.

Thomas, 23, says he's worked hard to develop into a consistent and mature person on and off the field. He was plagued by marijuana problems at the University of Florida and one arrest in 2008, though the charges were later dropped.

"I try to choose my friends carefully. I can't hang with the same people. If they're not doing the right things, I can be guilty by association," Thomas said. "I just try to stay away from anything that's going to hurt me and my family."

Thomas says he doesn't make it back to Jacksonville too often other than to see his mother, Sheila Mote. He does stay connected to home through his agent, Richard "Bruno" Burnoski, who coached Thomas and Carter at Mandarin High and now runs Empire Sports Agency in Jacksonville.

While Carter would love to be a starter like Thomas, Carter will take just making the team for now. Despite a successful four-year college career, Carter's size (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) kept him from getting drafted. He signed with Denver, and faces a few more rounds of cuts before the start of the season.

"It's my first job, and I love it," said Carter, who registered one tackle in that preseason opener. "I'm blessed to be in this situation."

Carter has overcome a lot after being raised by his grandmother, Ethell Miller, and mother, Tammara Miller. His best friend, Chris Mack, was murdered in 2006. His brother, Drew, was shot during a robbery attempt.

The 23-year-old credits a number of people with helping him get where he is. He still keeps in contact with former coaches Mark Kelly and Deran Wiley, now head football coach at Raines High School.

"Those guys guide me, and keep me in the right direction. They've never steered me wrong. They're good Christian men, people that I want to be like someday."

Hit me up with any good story ideas at mandarinsports@gmail.com

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