Fall Camp and Recruiting Update Interview with 4-Star 2020 DE Xavier Carlton
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Xavier Carlton was a beast on the field for Modesto Christian during the 2017 season on defense; no other way to put it. He influenced every snap in every game coming up with 82 stops, 14 tackles for a loss, six sacks, and a forced fumble with teams running the other way. On offense, the 6-6, 244-pound, talent snagged 14 passes for 191 yards with three trips into the end zone setting up what should be an even bigger junior season. College coaches have responded in kind this offseason with seven offers being extended to the Class of 2020 California product. With several SEC and Pac-12 teams showing interest, Carlton’s offer sheet could quickly double by the middle of the Crusaders season.
In a RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Carlton covering his offseason workouts, his recruiting process, and got a look ahead to some key Crusaders’ games in 2018.
*Click link for March 6, 2018, RNG interview with Xavier Carlton
Interview
Xavier, how did your offseason workouts go?
“My offseason has gone great. I have been watching a lot of film on the upcoming teams we play. I have been watching current players, Joey Bosa (Chargers) and Jadeveon Clowney (Texans), they have inspired me with my game. I have been working on moves to make myself better.”
Which moves have you been working on this summer?
“I have been working on my bull-rush, get-offs, swim, my slap, and my push-pull.”
Nice. Are you going to play tight end and defensive end again this season, and might we see you at any other positions this fall?
“Yes, sir. This year I will be at tight end and defensive end; just those two positions.”
With fall camp, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game as a defensive end?
“My biggest improvement is my leverage. I have been watching film on myself and I watched our scrimmage, I was coming off high in a three-point stance. I am working on staying low and getting more aggressive.”
What about on offense?
“On offense, I need to work on my blocking. I watched myself on film, my blocking was subpar.”
Did you max out in the weight room this summer?
“Yes, sir. My dad and I have been going three days a week working on chest, legs, arms, and the small muscles.”
Did you get a chance to showcase your talents at any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. This summer, I went to Sac (Sacramento) State, that was my only summer camp. I showed my skills and my God given talents to the Pac-12 coaches that were there. I was able to show who I am on and off the field.”
Since we spoke last, you have blown up on the recruiting trail, how many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers.”
Carlton’s offer sheet: Notre Dame, Iowa State, Utah, Arizona, Fresno State, Arizona State, and Cal
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“The schools that are showing interest are USC, Florida, Oregon State, Tennessee, and Mississippi State.”
Did you take any unofficial visits over the spring or summer months?
“Yes, sir. My family and I went to LA to see USC. We really liked it. It was awesome. That was a great experience. We were happy to make that trip. I loved it.”
Do you have any visits planned for this fall?
“It depends on our season.”
The Crusaders open the 2018 season on Friday against Sierra (Manteca), are you pumped?
“Yes, sir. I am pumped. I cannot wait to play Sierra on Friday night.”
What kind of game are you expecting in Week 1 from Sierra?
“This game will be stellar. I want seven or eight tackles, three sacks, and a touchdown.”
Are there any other games on the schedule you have circled as a top showdown?
“Yes, sir. I am looking forward to playing Sierra, Edison, Hilmar, and Ripon. We are hyped for those games.”
What goals have you set for your junior season?
“My goals are to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I want to be a better student on and off the field. My goal is to watch more film and to learn the linemen’s tendencies before the game, are the leaning right or left, will he trap me – I want to be one step ahead of the linemen.”
Xavier, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time. Good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Xavier Carlton at a Nike Opening Regional