Mid season 2011, Steinbrenner sophomore RB, Jake Carroll was on his way to a big statistical season. He was averaging 7 yards per carry the first four games of the year. Disaster struck early in game 5 vs Gaither on a kick off return when Carroll attempted to make a move; his knee buckled, a defended tackled him and another fell on his knee. Carroll would tear his ACL and miss the remainder of the 2011 season.
A strong rehab put Jake back on the field for his junior year. Not quite the same runner, he still amasses over 1,000 all purpose yards and played all 10 games. This year he is just about back to 100% and expected to be a monster in 2013.
Rising senior, Jake Carroll stands 5-10/195 lbs and carries a 4.7 grade point average. He took the time out for an interesting Q & A with BCP.
BCP: What responsibility is on your shoulders as multi-year starter and one of the better players on your team?
JC: Being a multi-year starter comes with many responsibilities. It means that I need to set an example for the rest of the team and to be a leader so we can have the mentality to become a better team.
BCP: What is your motivation for your senior season?
JC: My motivation for my senior season is to make the playoffs and then finish strong in the playoffs and hopefully make it to states. Also, our whole team is working extremely hard to become a playoff contender and I know this year our team has what it takes.
BCP: Being a RB, what skill set do you depend on the most and why?
JC: Being a RB in a wing-T offense, I need to be ready to get the ball as much as possible and being a RB that can take some hits is crucial. Speed and power are what I think make a great RB. No matter how strong any defender is, if you can’t catch the RB, you can’t tackle him. Also, it doesn’t matter how fast a defender is, if the RB is stronger than you, you can’t tackle him. Having good hands is also a big part of being a RB. Most college’s pass out of the back field and if you can’t catch, the are not going to want you.
BCP: What schools are recruiting you the hardest and what is your interest level in those school?
JC: I have talked to a couple coaches from different schools. Wake Forest has been a school that has been recruiting me. Coach Lobotzke came to talk to me a few months ago and said he enjoyed my RB skills and I would be hearing from him. Georgia Tech, FAU, and USF have been sending me mail a lot lately. My all time goal would be to stay in Florida and play at USF, but any coach that gives me the opportunity to play for their team I would be greatly appreciative.
BCP: This is your team’s first year at 9 Route 7 on 7 . What are your expectations and how will it benefit your team?
JC: Last year we entered the USF Sling & Shoot and made it to the semi-finals against Plant and then it got rained out. But, we went 12-0 during the tournament. My expectations are like any other team entering the tournament, to come out champions and have some momentum going into the season. I do think that our receivers and our QB, Curtis Fitch, have the ability to go very far in the tournament. We have some very experienced LB’s and DB’s that I believe will do well.
BCP observations on Jake Carroll
Eager to learn and is a physical competitor. Dominated during blitz pick up versus the LBs at Ignite Showcase. Solid footwork and speed. Will make for a good prospect. Good vision and excellent body control. Shows the ability to hit top speed quickly and runs with a good pad level.