Well well well, I’ve saved the three juiciest previews for last. These are some of the players who can come in and possibly contribute at a high level right away. The transfers who came from the portal were Xavier Carlton from Utah , Jack Plummer from Purdue, and Jackson Sirmon from Washington. Today’s dive focuses on Xavier Carlton, a defensive end for our California Golden Bears.
The Bio and Measurables
6 ft 6 in
270 LBS
Modesto Christian HS/Juan Diego Catholic HS/University of Utah
via Modesto, CA
What does Cal have in Xavier Carlton?
Xavier Carlton played rotational snaps for the Utah Utes this past season, getting shuffled around on a stacked defense. Getting any sort of playing time at Utah is an accomplishment in itself, with Kyle Whittingham and Morgan Scalley being recognized as some of the more cerebral assassins in college football. They simply make things work and continue to pump in and pump out NFL talent each year through excellent preparation and coaching. Obviously there isn’t a whole lot of film to go off for Carlton at Utah, as he simply fell to the wayside amid a myriad of defensive talent with players like Mika Tafua and Devin Kaufusi.
However it is clear why teams saw the potential in Carlton, as he possess a motor that any defensive coach would love to see in a player. His pursuit of the ball seems to be solid as well as seen here in the 2021 spring game at :37, where he loses contain initially then comes around to pursue Peter Costelli for the tackle once he scrambles out. Like I said earlier, there simply isn’t a lot of film on Carlton at the moment, but a 6’6 frame certainly doesn’t hurt his case for more snaps at Cal, where sized has lacked on the defensive line at times. Carlton logged 18 total tackles (4 TFL’s) last year for the Utes so Cal certainly has someone capable of finding the football, it is just a matter if they can development that talent like everyone else.
I wish there was more film to link but hopefully he makes some highlight film for next years preview!
Best of luck to Xavier as he starts his Cal career!
A great addition. Can't coach speed, height. Can't measure heart. Cam Jordan was big, fast and strong, but he hasn't been a dominant NFL lineman without being smart and highly motivated. Xavier is a local boy and if he puts his heart into it, he has the physical tools to be a menace. We need menaces to win games.
Completely agree with CalBear91, we need more menaces on defense to win games. Welcome Xavier. I am getting jazzed for the season to start. I really am. I know, I know, it's Cal, it always starts with optimism and usually ends with disappointment, but I don't care. Football is a month away, woohoo, Go Bears!!