Interview: 3-Star 2021 TE Carlton Brown is a Rising Talented Hybrid Prospect
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One thing that Class of 2021 talent Carlton Brown has proven over the past two seasons, if the quarterback puts the ball within his area code, he’s going to come down with it. The junior campaign for the Mission Prep standout was an evolution of his abilities on the gridiron as a hand in the dirt tight end with time spent on defense while continuing to scorch secondaries with his size, speed, and athleticism. All the potential in the 6-6, 200-pound, three-star recruit is coming together with college programs taking notice.
During the 2018 season, Brown lined up on the outside of the Royals offense leading the team in receptions (25), yards (524), and receiving touchdowns (5). More of the 2019 focus was seeing Brown help the run-heavy offense as a tight end, but plays were still made in the aerial attack. Brown secured 18 passes for 292 yards with six scores going up on the board. Time was spent on defense as an end and corner registering 13 stops, seven solo, with two tackles for a loss, a sack, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and knocked away four passes.
Brown now has five scholarship offers with interest growing. For a full run through on his skills, roles during his senior season, and recruiting process, Brown sat down for an RNG Q&A.
Interview
Carlton, you made people take notice of your skills last season, especially as a receiving threat. Looking back, how do you feel the season went for you?
“It was life changing. I went through, past the play of football, mentally, I went through a change. When I switched to tight end, my mindset changed. Football is a grind. As a receiver, the grind is boiled down and is not as intense. At Mission, we are a run-heavy team. The grind playing tight end as part of the offensive line, I started to understand the grind. My discipline and focus improved. The season for me was life changing in that way. Aside from the stats, it was a very successful season.”
The coaches highlighted your size, hands, and abilities in the red zone. What were you doing to be such an effective target around the goal line?
“Being taller than everyone (laughs). Making plays in the red zone, maybe my route running.”
You are being humble. I get it. What were some of the routes you were running last season?
“Last season our coach really liked the corner route, the sail route, I ran that a couple of times, and he also liked the quick slants in the red zone. I also did quick outs to the sideline. Towards the end of the season we did a pirate route, a crisscross route with me and the outside receiver. I went under and to verts. The 96 sail, a 10-yard out, was a go-to route.”
Which areas of your game showed the most improvement on offense last season?
“My physicality. I got way more physical as the season progressed and I liked it. My sophomore year, there was a senior on the team, he was known for hitting really hard. During camp week, we did some hitting. Dalton and Brayden were killing me, I was not getting low enough. This last season, I learned to like it more. Blocking is not like tackling, I can still hit you. I can step into it and make immediate contact. I was digging in and getting physical with guys.”
On defense, what roles were you playing within the Royals’ scheme?
“Corner and defensive end. I played a couple of possessions at safety.”
Will you play more on defense in 2020?
“Yeah. Our coach was talking to me about moving to defensive end. I was able to make some plays at that position last season.”
What have you been working on with your game this offseason?
“Getting bigger. That is my main focus. By the end of the summer, I want to be 215 to 220. I’ve been working on my routes, making my cuts crisp and clean. I have not been working on blocking during the quarantine. When it is over, I have plans to work with our strength coach to get some blocking techniques down.”
Keeping the grind going, what have you been doing for a daily workout routine?
“Our strength coach sends two workouts each day for the team. One is with a gym or with weights and one is without. I wake up around 5:30 and lift at 6:00. Then I come home, shower, do my class work, and at 3:00 I do the lifts without weights. That is mainly core and conditioning workout in the afternoon. I also run. I try to go a mile.”
Once things get rolling again, are there any college camps you may attend?
“Definitely. I will go to the camps of the schools that have offered; Nevada, San Diego State, Cal-Poly, and Fresno State. There are a couple of camps with a bunch of different schools, like the Redlands camp, that I may attend. There are a bunch of schools there, some that are talking to me currently.”
*Utah State offered after this interview
We covered your camps and offers, which schools are showing interest?
“UC-Davis, Army, Yale, Cal, Brown, Wyoming, and Utah.”
Are there any planned visits you may take late spring/early summer?
“Yes. I want to go visit San Diego State and Nevada. I have been to Fresno and Cal-Poly. I would love to go visit Army.”
With the visits, are all of them unofficial visits?
“I will unofficially visit the closer schools if I can. San Diego State and Nevada will be on officials.”
Carlton, it was a lot of fun covering ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Owen Main; Carlton Brown in action