ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Eastern Kentucky University running back Joshua Carter has received a rookie minicamp invite from the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The recent EKU graduate earns the invite after a stellar career in Maroon & White, playing his last three seasons in Richmond after transferring from South Alabama.
 
"It feels good to know the work you put into the process for this moment," said Carter. "It's a blessing to have an opportunity to chase the dream I've had since I was a child."
 
The bell cow of EKU's offense in 2024, Carter powered his way to 1,256 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, the third most in the UAC this season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
 
Carter came up clutch throughout EKU's season as the Colonels finished 8-4 in the regular season, 6-2 in conference play, earning their second berth in the FCS Playoffs in three seasons.
 
For three straight games in EKU's five-game winning streak to end the regular season, Carter provided the game-winning score with touchdown runs coming under three minutes left in regulation, the last of which was a 23-yard walk-off touchdown run in overtime against Austin Peay, delivering the Colonels to a 30-27 win.
 
Consistency was another thing Carter provided in 2024, scoring in 10 of EKU's 13 games, including a 77-yard touchdown run on the second play of EKU's playoff game at 11-seed Villanova.
 
For his career, Carter became the 17^th Colonel in program history to reach 2,000 career rushing yards, totaling 2,273 in his three seasons at EKU with 21 rushing touchdowns as well.
 
The Florida native's performance on the field brought off-the-field accolades as well as Carter earned Phil Steele Second Team All-UAC honors in 2024, along with FCS Central All-UAC Second Team honors in 2023.
 
Rookie minicamp for the Bills begins in Orchard Park, N.Y., on May 9.