Carter attended Briar Woods High School in Ashburn, Virginia, where he recorded over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 50 tackles with five interceptions as a senior. He helped lead his team to a 12–1 record and a win in the state championship game. He was named Virginia's 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year, and was selected to play in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. Carter also lettered in track & field at Briar Woods, competing during his junior year running the 100 meters, 4x100 and the long jump. He competed at the state meets and his fastest time in the 100-meter dash was 10.9 seconds. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Carter was ranked as the third-best safety prospect of his class, and drew comparisons to Tyvon Branch. On April 5, 2011, he accepted a scholarship offer and announced his commitment to Stanford.
College career
As a true freshman in 2012, Carter played in all 14 games with starts in the last 8 games at cornerback. He recorded 46 tackles, including three tackles for loss, and led his team with three forced fumbles. In 2013, he started all 13 games, recording 59 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, one interception, team-high seven pass breakups. In 2014, he started all 13 games, recording 41 tackles with one interception and a team leading nine pass breakups. On December 31, 2014, he announced he would forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
Professional career
Detroit Lions
Carter was drafted 80th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Lions traded up with the Minnesota Vikings for the pick, giving away their own third-round pick and their fifth-round pick. On September 3, 2016, Carter was waived by the Lions and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 24, 2016. Carter was converted to safety during the 2017 offseason. He was waived by the Lions on September 2, 2017.
On November 14, 2017, Carter was signed to the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. He was released on November 21, 2017.
Chicago Bears
On November 27, 2017, Carter was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad. He was released on December 12, 2017.
Seattle Seahawks (second stint)
On December 19, 2017, Carter was signed to the Seahawks' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on January 2, 2018. He was waived on August 2, 2018.
On December 18, 2018, Carter was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 27, 2018. He was waived on April 30, 2019.
Personal life
Carter's father, Tom, was a first-round draft pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
