NFL Carter is enjoying the rewards of winning with the 49ers

The first-year defensive end from California has come from a losing team to a winning one.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Andre Carter is appreciative of the San Francisco 49ers' resurgence this season. You might say he even deserves to be part of the success.
Carter, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end, spent the past four years starring for the University of California, where he revealed his durability (he started 37-of-43 games) and domination (a school-record 31 sacks). Problem was, the Bears didn't win much. They were 15-29 in Carter's four-year career.
"Despite the fact that we were losing, it taught me to play with pride," said Carter, speaking by telephone from the 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
"I was taught to go out there and play the game regardless of what the score is or what our record is," he said.
Rewards: Now with the 49ers, Carter is enjoying the rewards of winning, which came early this season.
"That first game [Sept. 9] when we played against Atlanta and won, I never saw so many people happy," said Carter, whose father, Rubin, played for the Denver Broncos and now coaches with the New York Jets.
"You realize this is your profession; this is your livelihood," he said. "When you win, the burden on your shoulders has been lifted off you."
The 49ers (9-3) liked Carter's potential so much, they acquired the seventh overall pick in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and drafted the San Jose, Calif., native.
"I heard Chicago had a high interest in me," Carter said about the draft. "It wasn't until the draft that I heard the 49ers wanted me."
Comparisons: Because of his body type and ability, Carter has earned comparisons to Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse. Still, the 49ers rookie doesn't let that affect him.
"I want to dominate and cause havoc," Carter said, "but that comes with time. Every individual is different. Coming in, all I could do was play my game."
Thus far, that's been good enough for coach Steve Mariucci to pencil Carter into the starting lineup, where he has totaled 28 tackles, four sacks and one fumble recovery.
"When I step on that field, I try to play free, fast football," Carter said. "I use speed and I like to work my hands a lot."
Learning: As the season progresses, so does the learning process for Carter, who is noticing an increased intensity with each game.
"The more you win, the more competitive it's going to be," he said. "The opponents are trying to throw you off key. [The intensity] really started to hit me [last Sunday] against the Rams. It really picked up."
Carter sacked Rams quarterback Kurt Warner twice last week in the 49ers' 27-14 loss, but the defensive end doesn't want all the credit.
"It was a great feeling, but the second sack was a freebie," Carter said. "We were blitzing and [Rams offensive lineman Orlando] Pace picked up somebody in one gap, and I came free."
Calling himself his own worst critic, Carter claims his grade in his first season with the 49ers is a "C."
"The past few weeks, I've felt like I've been up and down," Carter said. "But you live and you learn."
richesson@vindy.com