If there was a list of underrated players for 2020, Draper, UT. defensive end Xavier Carlton would be on it.
And if there was a list of schools that the network gurus have been sleeping on with Carlton, Washington would be at the top.
Carlton, who’s 6-7, 262 lbs. right now holds 30 offers. Sure, he’s a 4-star, but when he’s nationally ranked at 278 and 13th at his position, you have to believe that the “rankers” are being a little too conservative.
“I personally don’t know anyone playing for UW, but I follow a few player via Instagram”, Carlton told Realdawg.com over the weekend. His interest in Washington, however, is legit. Despite the Huskies not even being listed as “warm” on his bio on the network.
“Based on my research, they are academically strong and play a great brand of football”, Carlton explained, “Coach Pete has established a special program that allows athletes to excel on and off the field.”
Washington offered Carlton last spring, and since then Carlton has been staying in touch with Ikaika Malloe and establishing a very good relationship.
“Coach Malloe and I get along great and talk often”, he said.
Carlton had thought he was going to get up to Washington back in the late spring/early summer, but a family illness prevented that from happening and Carlton stayed closer to home while this was going on.
So now, he’s planning an official trip.
“I’m taking a visit (to Washington) after my season is over”, Carlton said.
Ultimately, Carlton says that academics will be one of the defining factors for him, “Education is number-one”, he said, “But ‘fit’ and the program (itself) are right there too.”
Washington, having led the Pac-12 in defense four years in a row now, and a guy like Carlton is just what the doctor ordered when you talk about imposing defensive linemen.
Carlton has the size and athleticism and a motor. He’ also a very smart and crafty player who sniffs out offenses. With 6-7 height it’s that length that makes him a special player — either you’re born with that length or not.
Reggie Rogers comes to mind — but he was 6-6 and got up to 278.
Carlton has all the intangibles to be a dominating defensive lineman in the Pac-12 (and beyond).
