Carter focused on senior season

Nebraska has held the lead for the pledge of Stonewall (La.) North De Soto speedster Curtis Carter for several weeks. For now, the 5-foot-10, 161-pounder said he plans to put recruiting aside so that he can concentrate on his senior season. Have other schools begun to close the gap with the Cornhuskers?

"I still have Nebraska in the lead but it's my last year of high school so I don't want to make this whole recruiting thing a big distraction. I'm really focusing on my season and task at hand. As soon as this (season) is over with, I'm going to really look deep into what school is best for me."

The four-star prospect said that the Huskers still stand at the top of his list due to his relationship with the 'Big Red' coaching staff.

"I talk or email with coach 'J.P' (John Papuchis) everyday," Carter said. "I talked to coach (Ted) Gilmore last week as well. We're starting to build a good relationship also."

"The thing about Nebraska is that when they first offered me, they didn't just offer. They offered and stayed in touch with me the whole time. They've recruited me so hard and have really shown me that they want me. They've shown me the love. Coach Papuchis and coach Gilmore are both now very much involved in my recruitment."

Despite his affection for the Huskers, Carter said that a couple of other schools are also very high on his list and should get visits.

"The only visit I have set up right now is to Nebraska on Oct. 16 for their game against Texas Tech," Carter said. "Missouri has really been picking it up lately with coach (Barry) Odom. I'm going to visit there too. They're showing a lot of interest."

"It's probably going to come down to those two schools and, probably, Alabama."

He and his North De Soto teammates started the season on a sour note last Friday, losing to Minden 38-14. According to Carter, he plans to get that turned around this week.

"We're still working the kinks out offensively," Carter said. "I really got taken out of the game last week. They had a real good scheme. I think I only ended up with one reception for something like 10 yards and four carries for another 10 to 15 yards. They had us locked up."

"Now, it's back to reality. We have to go out and perform. This Friday will be a different story when we play Mansfield. My coaches are trying to find more ways to get the ball in my hands. I need to take it to another level."

With impressive performances at camps and combines over the summer, Carter already sold a number of college recruiters on his ability to play at a high level. He currently holds scholarship offers from Nebraska, Alabama, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Missouri and TCU.

"At first, coaches were like, 'this kid is pretty fast so he'd be good running the fade'," Carter said. "After the camps, coaches became more impressed with my route running and my ability to make the tough catches in traffic. They're all becoming convinced that I can be a great overall receiver."