Verba Preston Carpenter (January 24, 1934 – June 30, 2011)[1] was an American professional football player.

[2] At the University of Arkansas, Carpenter was an outstanding single-wing blocking back and linebacker for the Razorbacks in 1953 and 1954.

In 1954, he caught a 66-yard touchdown pass against Ole Miss in one of the most famous plays in Razorbacks history.

[3] A first-round draft choice in 1956, Carpenter was selected by the reigning NFL champion Cleveland Browns, who picked thirteenth.

The Browns used him primarily as a halfback in his rookie year, when he gained 756 yards on 188 carries while averaging 25.4 yds/touch on 15 kickoff returns.