The 2019 Southlake Carroll Dragons have burst onto the scene in recent weeks as they have jumped out to a 6-0 start behind sophomore quarterback and Texas target Quinn Ewers.
Blocking up front for Ewers has been rock-steady, as 2020 commit Andrej Karic has led the way in the trenches for the Dragons up front.
The high point came this past Friday night when Southlake Carroll entered C.H. Collins Stadium in Denton as the underdog and knocked off district foe Denton Guyer, who is led by 2021 Texas A&M commit QB Eli Stowers. In the 46-34 win, Karic’s offensive line gave Ewers solid protection all night, allowing him to make plays with both his arm and legs.
“We’ve been planning for this day all season,” Karic said postgame. “We wanted to know every single detail about every single player on their team and we got the job done. We had a chip on our shoulder to show them who the real deal is.”
Karic committed to the Longhorns on July 24 joining Jaylen Garth, Jake Majors, and Logan Parr as the offensive linemen commits in Texas’ 2020 class. Since then, Karic has been high on Texas and is excited to get on campus.
“I love it man, I love Coach Hand, every time I go see him I love him even more. It’s that hard nose football that I know can take me to the next level.”
In recent years, Texas has been able to groom three-star prospects such as Karic into NFL prospects, most notably fellow Dallas-Fort Worth and former Texas OL Connor Williams from Coppell (Class of 2015).
“What separated the Longhorns from everyone else was Coach Hand. I know that he will do anything it takes to make you a better player and take you to the next level. He’ll tell you what’s right, he won’t sugar coat anything.”
Carroll’s offensive system in 2019 has been strikingly similar to Texas’ spread attack, as blocking for an offense similar to where Karic will play at the next level has him amped for what is to come.
“I’ve already talked to some of the coaches about that actually and it’s very similar. [southlake Carroll head coach] Riley Dodge used to be an assistant over there so I’m sure he’s gotten some plays from that system.”
Despite being the second-lowest rated recruit in his class according to 247Sports, his senior season film has opened many eyes on his development in his physicality and run blocking situations. With this mass improvement, expect for Karic’s stock to rise into the range of his fellow class of 2020 commits as a four-star.
“Oh we got some dogs coming in all-around. We’re going to come in and tear it up.”
A plethora of offensive weapons are set to join the Longhorns in 2020 as Karic will come in as a force to help block for these high-rated skill players.
“I’m most excited to block for Bijan, he’s out there killing it in Arizona.”
When asked about enrolling early, Karic said he is undecided and that he will talk through it with his mother, but it is still an option.
