Carpenter was from Oregon and became a standout at Oregon State University, where he played between 1946 and 1949. The Browns selected him in the first round of the 1950 draft, making him their first selection since joining the league.
Carpenter was born in Oregon and excelled at Oregon State University from 1946 to 1949. The Browns selected him in the first round of the 1950 draft, designating him as their initial choice upon joining the league.