Summit 4-Star 2017 RB Stephen Carr Talks USC Commitment and Running Past California Opposition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As the old saying goes, tape does not lie and the tape on Summit High School’s 2017 running back Stephen Carr is about as good as it gets. Over the last two seasons Carr has used his deceptive speed, great field vision and balance, along with soft hands in the passing game to push the Skyhawks on the California gridiron into one of the best teams in the state.

During the 2014 season, Carr was just starting to come into his own coming in around 1,600 all-purpose yards and in the neighborhood of 15 touchdowns. Summit turned in a 6-4-1 record but the potential of the team could be seen even then. The 2015 season has been one for the ages with the Skyhawks posting a 12-0 record after their first truly close game of the season, a second round 13-9 playoff win over Chino, all other wins have been double-digit victories.

Pac-12 teams that mine California high school talent for Division-I wins have been on Carr since his sophomore season with UCLA, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, and USC all offering. The reach into other highly regarded waters has begun with the University of Georgia throwing an offer onto the table for the 6’0”, 190 pound, back. The Bulldogs maybe a little late to the party, as may be the case for all other teams late scouting Carr. The Trojans landed a verbal commitment from the Fontana area native on March, 23.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Stephen before the Skyhawks big third round playoff game against San Marino to get his thoughts on the 2015 season and a recruiting update finding out which teams are still pushing hard to flip the talented junior.

Interview

Stephen, the Skyhawks have torn through the season getting a big win against Chino on Friday. How are you guys getting ready for San Marino?

“We don’t have school this week so we are icing up after practice, keeping our minds focused on the game, and taking everything one day at a time. San Marino is undefeated also (12-0), should be a great game.”

How does your offense match-up against their defense?

“It’ll be tough. I have watched film on San Marino. It’ll be a great match up. We have a good defense all the way around, our O-line is great, we have great wide receivers, and a great quarterback. The game should be great one.”

Your stats are nowhere to be found on-line. Do you know what your stat line is for the 2015 season?

“I believe I have over 20 touchdowns and over 2,000 all-purpose yards.”

The stat line is great. What are your strengths as a running back? What are your skill sets that help make you such a productive and dangerous player with the ball in your hands?

“What makes me a dangerous player, I’d say I have great agility and if I need to I can lower my pads and run someone over. One of my strengths is my acceleration through the whole. I’m a different type of running back.”

Since you are an every down kind of back, what do you think you do better, run with the ball out of the backfield or catch the ball out of the backfield?

“Both are strengths of mine. I do what I have to do.”

Which game this season has been your best and why?

“That’s a tough one. I’d say my best game – let me think. It would have to be, I don’t know. I guess the first game of the season against Etiwanda (won 48-35). I think I had 250 yards all-purpose yards with three touchdowns. It was one of the biggest games of the season.”

For those readers out there who may have never seen you play, is there a college or NFL player you are similar to in style or one that you may model your game after?

“Not really. I like to do my own thing and try to have my own type of shine.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Pretty much everything from the weight room, to the meetings, the Friday nights, the players, the parents, the fans – I love everything about football.”

Are schools still recruiting you hard right now even though you are committed to USC?

“Yeah, a lot of schools are still recruiting me. Georgia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, UCLA, and U-Dub (Washington), all of those coaches are contact with me the most, and Notre Dame.”

Do you have plans to go to any one-day college camps this summer?

“I’ll probably go to some Just to get some work in and do drills that will be beneficial for me to grow as a player.”

You committed to USC in March? What influenced that decision? Why USC?

“USC is the best. I really love it. It was just a great experience. The players are amazing and the coaching staff is amazing. I felt like that is the place where I need to be.”

Are you nervous or excited about the upcoming coaching search for USC?

“I’m not nervous our excited, it’s just a waiting process. They’ll make a good decision. I have nothing to worry about.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits this fall?

“I’ve been to just about all of the USC home games.”

Did you go on any unofficial visits in the offseason?

“I went to USC and UCLA.”

How did your visit to UCLA go?

“It was great. Their coaching staff is great. It was an amazing visit. Their facilities are great. They took me around and introduced me to all the players. My visit was great there too.”

Are you getting excited for the big UCLA vs. USC game this weekend?

“I would not miss that one for anything.”

What are your thoughts on the game?

“It should be a great game. There will be a lot of people there and a lot of talking. I can’t wait to see the outcome. It should be a great game overall to be honest.”

Stephen, thanks for your time today. Good luck the rest of the way in the playoffs and enjoy the UCLA/USC game on Saturday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru; Stephen Carr (right) and Najee Harris (left) look at the play call at a USC camp in June.

Photo credit: youtube.com; Stephen Carr in action for Summit High School.