One of the top overall prospects in the 2020 class, senior defensive end Xavier Carlton is a player that has the skills to make his mark at the next level. Carlton attended Modesto Christian High School in California last season while leading the Crusaders to a strong 10-2 season.
Standing at 6’7, 262 lbs, he starred as a defensive end and tight end, and it was his versatility that led the Crusaders to have such a successful season. Carlton had 81 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 13 hurries, and 6.5 sacks last season as a defensive end. While lining up as a tight end on the other side of the ball, Xavier was just as impactful. He had 10 receptions for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also being a fantastic blocker.
Despite his success in California, his family moved to Utah. Carlton is now enrolled at Juan Diego Catholic High School and will look to make his mark there.
Carlton had a phenomenal year last season, as he made the 2018 1st Team All-TVL, and was named the Most Outstanding Linemen in the conference. His performance and accolades put him in the national spotlight, and he has now received 28 offers, mostly from Power 5 Schools. At the moment, Xavier isn’t in a rush to make a decision, but the schools that are in the lead for his services are California, UCLA, USC, and Utah.
EFN Evaluation & Outlook
Xavier Carlton is a special talent. He has an EFN rating of 88 and is the 7th ranked defensive end in the state of California. He is an elite pass rusher that uses his size and strength to his advantage, putting tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Xavier can beat you off the edge with speed and can shoot up the gaps. Carlton also uses his length to deflect passes to his side of the field, making him a nightmare to gameplan around. His range allows him to cover a lot of space when he is closing in on the football. His straightaway speed was on display as a tight end and showcased his versatility to play multiple positions.
He has a lot of room for growth as a defensive end and is still a bit raw technically. As he learns to use his hands more as a pass rusher and adds a couple of moves to his arsenal, he will take his game to another level.
His potential is sky high, and if the right school can develop him even further, Xavier Carlton will become an even greater force to be reckoned with at the next level.
