Class of 2003 - OL Tripp Carroll


Posted Jul 24, 2002


Tripp Carroll is an offensive lineman from Charlotte (NC) Myers Park. Carroll is the highest ranked OL in North Carolina and one of the top ranked players in the nation. Mark Ellington recently interviewed Carroll and here's the scoop on his recruiting situation.

Offers: Currently has 81 offers. Trip Carroll Profile

Favorites: North Carolina and Virginia Tech; others include Clemson, North Carolina State, Ohio State, and Virginia.

Inside Carolina: Thank you for talking with us Tripp. I understand that you visited Chapel Hill over the weekend.
Tripp Carroll: Yes Sir.

IC: How long were you in Chapel Hill?
Carroll: We arrived in Chapel Hill around 10:00 am of Friday and left about 1:00 or 1:30 Saturday afternoon.

IC: Did your family come with you?
Carroll: No, I brought a friend with me.

IC: Why did you decide to come to Chapel Hill last weekend?
Carroll: I don't know. It was something to do since it is summer and my friend is also looking at schools that he might like to attend.

IC: Is your friend a football player too?
Carroll: No, he is one of my best friends but he does not play football.

IC: Did you have a chance to meet and talk with the staff while you were there?
Carroll: Yes sir, I did.

IC: What did you think about the Carolina staff?
Carroll: They are a great staff. They may have one of the best staffs in the country.

IC: What did you think of Coach Bunting?
Carroll: He is a great football coach. I have talked to Coach Bunting. It's interesting that I have a little sister that went to softball camp and his wife coached her.

IC: Ms. Bunting? She has some energy. What did she think of her?
Carroll: Ms. Bunting is pretty wild (passion for sports).

IC: I assume you met Coach Hunter?
Carroll: He is a phenomenal offensive line coach. He may be the greatest OL coach in college football today.

IC: Did you get a chance to meet any of the players?
Carroll: Yes. I met Arthur Smith, Matt Baker, Madison Hedgecock, Brian Chacos and Chase Page.

IC: I guess you heard about the difficulty that Mr. Chacos had.
Carroll: Yes, he mentioned it and they (players) were giving him a hard time about it.

IC: I know that Virginia Tech has been your leader for quite some time. What is it that you like about them?
Carroll: Well it's not what the media and the Internet has been talking about. Take my girlfriend situation for example. It bothered both of us that some people were saying that she was trying to drag me up there. The reason that I like Virginia Tech is that it is a well-rounded school academically. They are a top 20 business school and they plan to build a medical school in 2005. The people up there are also very nice and are very genuine. The campus is kind of secluded and rural.


IC: Compare VaT with Carolina. What would you say are the differences?
Carroll: Carolina is a little more preppish or more yuppie. You can't beat Carolina for education though. It's more like a private school that happens to be a public school.

IC: Which do you identify with, rural or preppie?
Carroll: I'd say rural and that is why VaT has led up until this point. When I consider a school, I think that 80% of the time I will be spending with the S&C coach. About 10% of the time I will be practicing and playing football. The other 10% of the time will be devoted to academics and other things outside of football. My decision on a college choice will probably be based on that last 10% (academics and other things outside of football). I need to find a place where I fit in.

IC: What do you like about playing on the OL?
Carroll: I like the contact. It's a good place to get rid of some anger. There is a lot that happens that no one notices. There's pushing, shoving, and punching during a play. Lot of talking too.

IC: Have you played other positions?
Carroll: I have played OL, TE, and even QB.

IC: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
Carroll: No sir. I didn't really start playing football until the seventh grade so I didn't really follow it that much. Some one suggested that I give it a try.

IC: Do you like playing football?
Carroll: Oh yes. It is good preparation for life's lessons. The Lord has blessed me with talent and I would like to use it. I also have a backup plan, my education, in case I don't make it to the NFL.

IC: Do you know when you might major in?
Carroll: I'd like pre-med. or maybe get my MBA before I am through with school. I am not really sure yet.

IC: when do you think that you might decide?
Carroll: I will probably wait awhile and weigh my options. Some have kind of hinted that it might be best to commit and get it out of the way. I know it helps the school when a high-ranked player commits (with respect to recruiting) but it is my life and it is important to me that I make a good decision.

IC: I know you haven't narrowed your list down but are there some teams that you are pretty sure will get an official visit?
Carroll: I am pretty sure VaT and UNC will. Probably Ohio State as well. I would like to travel and visit some other places as well. Last year was my first time going to a college football game.

IC: Which game did you go see?
Carroll: I have a friend whose father is wealthy. He flew us up in a private plane to see the Boston College/Miami game.


IC: Thank you for talking with us Tripp
Carroll: Thank you talking with me and please call again.


Related Stories
Profile 2003 - Tripp Carroll (OG/DT)
 -by FoxSportsNext.com  Jul 16, 2002
Tripp Carroll on the move
 -by BuckeyeSports.com  Aug 6, 2002
Hokies Lead For Massive OL
 -by VTInsider.com  Jul 1, 2002

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