St. Francis' Carroll Signs with UNLV

football coach Jim Bonds doesn’t mix words when he says what kind of player the University of Nevada, Las Vegas got in Golden Knights offensive lineman Patrick Carroll.

“I think UNLV got a steal in getting him,” Bonds said. “He’s probably the best offensive lineman I’ve ever had in my 15 years of coaching.”

On Wednesday, Carroll signed a letter of intent to play football for the Rebels. Carroll, a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.com, also was recruited by Idaho, Northern Arizona, San Diego State. Carroll also said he had interest from Washington State and Oregon State.

Ultimately, Carroll said that UNLV was the right fit.

“I really enjoyed the campus and the coaching staff,” he said. “I really felt at home there and I really felt a connection with the coaching staff.”

Bonds said that what sets Carroll apart from other linemen is combination of his knowledge of the game and his athletic ability. Carroll’s long arms make him an excellent pass blocker, and Bonds said Carroll has a knack for reading blitzes and stunts.

But what stuck out the most for the Rebels was Carroll’s great size. He’s only 17 years old, and he’s listed at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds.

“They really liked his size,” Bonds said. “They said that they had been a little undersized up front and they wanted bigger bodies and Patrick fit that mold.”

Carroll said that he plans to either redshirt or greyshirt his first year and focus on building up muscle mass before the 2012 season.

“I need to get stronger definitely,” Carroll said. “I feel like my footwork is pretty good at the next level.”