Interview: 2017 OLB Alex Carswell Showcasing Playmaking Abilities for Grossmont

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The 2017 recruiting class out of the junior college ranks has some top talent pushing forward from the linebacker/outside linebacker position. One of the players setting himself apart from the others is Grossmont’s Alex Carswell.

Carswell has made the rounds since handing out grass stains for Strawberry Crest High School in Florida. After graduating in 2014, Carswell redshirted for Hutchinson in 2015 before transferring to the San Diego area to suit up for Grossmont. The former South Florida verbal commit has reemerged as a 6-5, 231 pound, playmaker drawing a spotlight from colleges needing an outside linebacker/weakside defensive end who can contribute next season.

Grossmont is off to a hot start going 3-0 with wins over San Diego Mesa, LA Harbor, and a really tough El Camino squad. Carswell is locking down his outside linebacker spot coming up with 15 tackles, two tackles for a loss, a half sack, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups for the Griffin. With seven games left on his redshirt freshman season, the potential Class of 2017 recruit is adding to his resume showing his abilities to stop the run, contain the end, and pressure the quarterback.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising star in the 2017 class to get an overview of his on the field abilities and an update on his recruitment that is just starting to take off.

Interview

Alex, what did you work on this summer coming into your redshirt freshman season?

“I worked on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. I worked on reading my keys quicker and becoming more physical on the line.”

What are some of the strengths of your game at this point in your football career?

“My pass rushing. Coming off the edge is a strong suit of mine.”

It is early in the season, but what strides have you made in your game thus far?

“My aggression at the point of attack. I’m better against the run now than in high school and during my freshman year in college.”

Did you max out this off-season in the weight room?

“I did. My bench was 335, squat 505, and my power clean was 275.”

Nice. All impressive numbers. Did you run a 40-yard dash this off-season?

“No, not this off-season.”

What is the best 40 you have posted?

“My best is a 4.69.”

What goals did you set for the 2016 season?

“To win a championship and to get a D-I scholarship.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016?

“I’m satisfied with how I have played but there is always room for improvement. You have to get better each week. I’m not 100 percent satisfied but pleased.”

Which schools are recruiting you right now?

“Southern Miss and Kentucky are the main schools I am talking to on a consistent basis.”

When do you graduate from Grossmont?

“I graduate in December.”

Which class is your favorite so far this semester?

“My political science class.”

With the games left on the schedule, are there any that you are excited to play over the others?

“I am excited to play all of them. I take all the games serious. We have to try to knock them off one by one.”

Alex, thank for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Grossmont; No. 8 Alex Carswell on the field

Photo credit: Grossmont: No. 8 Alex Carswell with his mom.