Carter's return is special occasion

Of all the players on Boise State's 85-man roster, running back Antwaun Carter was looking forward to the season-opener against Georgia most of all.

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Considering his school is approximately 1,800 miles from Athens, Saturday's game was practically a homecoming for Carter, who starred at South Aiken.

"It's practically right next door," Carter said. "When I went off, I never thought I'd get the opportunity to play close to home. It's going to mean a lot."

Carter's mother hadn't seen the him play since his senior season at South Aiken, where he also won the 100-meter title at the state track meet in 2001.

"I could probably use all the tickets I could get my hands on," Carter said. "Unfortunately, I can just get so many. But I'm really excited they're going to finally see me play a college game."

And while the 48-13 loss was not the result Carter and his Boise State teammates wanted, the Carter family got to see him score the final touchdown of the game for the Broncos. His 2-yard score was part of a 47-yard rushing day.

"To me, it was like a dream come true," Carter said afterward. "We didn't win, but I got to play in front of my family.

"It's nice to touch the (end) zone. I never thought I would in this stadium."

South Aiken coach Dan Pippin said he would be there. Carter was a senior in Pippin's first year at South Aiken, and the Thoroughbreds were in the midst of 29-game losing streak. But thanks to Carter's 200-plus yards, South Aiken was able to beat Midland Valley, 42-14.

"I'll never forget Antwaun just because of that," Pippin said. "I couldn't be more proud of the guy."

Despite rushing for 1,856 yards as a senior, the 5-foot-7, 214-pound senior received only a couple of scholarship offers. He decided to begin his career at Sacramento City College in California. Once there, Carter caught the eye of Broncos coach Dan Hawkins. He hasn't been a disappointment.

Part of Boise State's rushing attack that accounted for a school-record 49 touchdowns last year, Carter finished fourth on the team with 278 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

"I just do what I can to fit in," Carter said. "In this offense, you can't afford to get too wrapped up in the amount of playing time you get, because everybody is going to get a chance."

Broncos quarterback Jared Zabransky appreciates Carter's work ethic.

"Antwaun doesn't say much, but he always puts in 100 percent every day when we're out there practicing," he said. "He's always somebody you can count on."

Growing up in the heat and humidity of South Carolina, Carter has heard all summer about how the weather conditions will affect the Broncos.

"I think that's so overrated," Carter said. "It gets hot here (in Boise), too."