If you look at the offer list for 2020 so far, you’ll notice not one defensive lineman has been offered. The reason? Washington has finally found themselves in the enviable position to let the cream on their board rise to the top.
One guy who has definitely done that is Modesto, CA. (Modesto Christian) defensive end, Xavier Carlton.
If you look at his Twitter account he has the words “Stay ready and you don’t have to get ready”, and this is one junior in high school whose time has come and he is so ready.
Carlton is 6-7, 260, and an absolute punisher on defense. He could play multiple spots on the line and has the athletic ability to raise the ceiling as high as he wants to raise it. Carlton is a little like Joe Tryon, but may be a little more advanced in size, speed, and athleticism at this point in his development.
With 23 offers now on the table, the Huskies have come calling.
Carlton’s stock began soaring during the fall and it hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon, and if Washington does offer, a visit would definitely be in the works.
“Most definitely”, he said about that possibility, “I was already planning on visiting in the next few months.”
Right now the Pac-12, Big 10, and Big 12 have been leading the charge in offers; with most notable offers coming from USC, UCLA, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Cal, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Stanford, and several more.
When asked what the top factor will be for making a decision, however, Carlton said it would be about academics.
“A great environment in the classroom, on the field, and in the locker room”, he noted, “And most importantly…overall fit.”
Aside from being a stellar athlete and excellent student, Carlton has a very strong support-system with his family and nothing will take a backseat to education.
But on the field?
“My biggest strengths are (my) get off, violent hands”, Carlton said of his game, and with his size, pursuit, and quick-twitch he has the will it takes to dominate anyone that gets in front of him.
Up until now, Carlton has taken but one unofficial trip (Cal) for Junior Day, but he’s planning to start hitting the road this spring, “I’m still deciding on camps — I hope to finalize that soon”, he said.
His main recruiter from Washington is Ikaika Malloe, and he is preparing to speak with Coach Petersen soon — does that mean an impending offer is on the way?
“I would be beyond blessed to receive an offer and opportunity to play at UW”, Carlton said, “(It’s a) great school and football program.”
Stay tuned…
