The 14th in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team
LITTLE ROCK — Daunte Carr visited approximately 30 schools - both officially and unofficially - to help determine where he wanted to play college football.
“All of them had their ups and downs,” said Carr, who made the trips from Gainesville, Ga., with his parents. “But it was a great experience because we saw and we learned a lot during those visits.”
Carr made his final visit, Jan. 15-17, to Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas.
In less than 48 hours, Carr made an oral commitment to Arkansas in large part because of the team unity and desire to win a national championship.
“Of course, every team wants to win and wants to go to the national championship,” said Carr, who was rated a four-star recruit by national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS College Sports. “These guys have the chemistry to win it. It’s like another brotherhood.”
And not just among the players.
“Everyone is for the Arkansas Razorbacks,” Carr said. “Everyone is hoping for the best for them. You can tell it’s a family oriented community and I love that.”
Carr, 6-2, 202, 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, was committed to Stanford at one time but the admission process hit a snag and he decided to look around, eventually choosing the Hogs over scholarship offers from Ole Miss, North Carolina State, South Carolina, UCLA, West Virginia and others.
Unlike most visits, Carr’s trip to Arkansas wasn’t planned until the last second. Arkansas defensive line coach Steve Caldwell had been on the job less than 10 days when he found out about Carr and contacted Bruce Miller, Carr’s high school coach, to set up a visit.
“My dad called me up that afternoon and said, ‘Hey Daunte, we’re going to be on a plane this afternoon and you need to be ready,’ ” Carr said. “I asked where we’re going and he said, ‘We’re going to Arkansas for an official visit.’ ”
Miller said Carr showed big-play capability at the safety position.
“He can run, he’s a hitter,” Miller said. “When you watch him play, you say ‘wow.’ He can do a little bit of everything.”
Carr said he believes Coach Bobby Petrino and his coaching staff care about players on and off the field.
“They’re going to push you to be the best to your ability and make sure you can reach your maximum potential,” Carr said. “They’re free at any time if you really need something.”
Carr and linebacker Braylon Mitchell were the first two freshmen to report to Arkansas, starting classes and workouts May 17. A large number of other freshmen reported a couple weeks later and instantly bonded.
“We’re basically like a family already,” said Carr, who finished high school with a 3.75 grade-point average and plans to major in kinesiology with a minor in nutrition. “We always hang out with each other, doing everything together and always looking out for one another. The chemistry is already set for the freshman class.”
Miller recalled a time when Carr sat down in his office and revealed a maturity level way beyond his years.
“It was amazing,” Miller said. “I would go ‘who is this kid?’ ” This kid is talking to me like a man instead like a kid. He’s going to be a success in life.”
Sports, Pages 13 on 08/02/2010