St. Francis junior tight end John Carroll is a rising prospect in the Class of 2015. Carroll was an integral part of the offense and a force along the defensive line for the 8-2 Golden Knights this season.
At 6'3 220, Carroll is the total package, an effective run blocker and a quarterback's best friend in the passing game with his big frame and solid hands.
Carroll's size and athleticism provides the ultimate security blanket for quarterback Ty Gangi. Carroll has moved the sticks several times for St. Francis on tough catches over the middle this season. Carroll possesses the versatility to line up at receiver and overmatch undersized defensive backs.
John Carroll: 2015 TE Midseason Highlights
CLA caught up with Carroll as he prepares for the Golden Knights playoff game Friday night.
"We just got finished with practice. We got a lift and run in to get rid of all the lactic acid. Main focus was that we gotta bounce back. We thought we can go in and beat Chaminade and we took them for granted. We know it's win or go home. We had a more intense practice," said Carroll.
Despite a disappointing end to the regular season, Carroll is confident in his team's playoff hopes and expects St. Francis to make a run.
"We're playing Culver City. We got some good things in the bag right now. We're going to be okay. I think we're going to make it back to the semifinals against Serra and I think we can upset them. Most teams doubted us all year. We showed we can compete with teams like Serra. I feel like we're in the position to run the table, be the underdogs and win it all," said Carroll.
Carroll's on-field production and all-around game just earned him a 90 overall rating from 247 Sports which should ratchet up the already mounting recruiting interest in Carroll.
"I don't wanna stop there I wanna keep going. It feels great. I had a good offseason and I worked hard. Over the summer I got letters from Oregon but nothing hand-written. I've been getting letters more recently from Missouri and Arizona," said Carroll.
In addition to his on-field exploits, Carroll is a baller on the hardwood for the St. Francis basketball team. His athletic ability is a skill that is utilized a lot on the gird-iron.
"Sometimes I just want him to throw it up to me so I can up and get it over smaller DBs. My dad's my tight ends coach. They're double covering me and it's getting Dylan (Crawford) and other guys more opportunities," said Carroll.
CLA expects Carroll to rack up scholarship offers shortly and looks forward to following the Golden Knights quest for a championship that kicks off at Culver City Friday night.
