Recruiting Report: Carvon Gurley (2020)

Transitioning from the junior varsity to the varsity is usually a significant change for most players. Transitioning from junior varsity to playing against seniors who are all but guaranteed to be playing in college – including the most highly recruited senior in the state of Minnesota is something else. That is precisely what Minnetonka's <strong>Carvon Gurley</strong> faced in the fall. Gurley didn't just survive – he excelled. Now, after one year of varsity football, he has interest from Division I programs and offers from multiple Division II programs. The Skippers were coming off a runner-up finish in 6A. "We started strong winning a few games against some good teams," Gurley said. "We didn't play as well later. The team made too many mistakes (in the playoffs) and didn't get back to the championship game." The Skippers had many weapons on the offensive side of the ball. "On the offensive side we had one of the best running back groups in the state," Gurley explained. "With quarterback <strong>Aaron Syverson</strong> – when he was on, and our energy was up, we were tough to beat." Gurley's primary side of the ball wasn't bad either. "We had a strong defense overall. When we were playing together and were high energy, we did well." Gurley – who enjoys photography off the field - was thrown into the deep end of the pool without a life vest as a junior. "I came into the season inexperienced," Gurley explained. "Sophomore ball and varsity ball is a big difference. Coming into the season, my main focus was learning the game, getting used to the speed and doing my part. I think I held my own against some great offensive linemen – Quinn Carroll of Edina (Notre Dame commit) and Bronson Warner (Iowa Western commit) of Eden Prairie." Gurley's role changed during the season. "We ran a three-man front most of the time. We would switch it up and run a 4-3 or even a 4-4 sometimes when we would drop down a safety. At the beginning of the season, I was a defensive end. Towards the end of the season, I was playing nose guard. When we did run a four front, I would play the three-technique." Like many interior linemen, Gurley's success didn't show up in the stat book. "I am the type of player that does what is best for the team," the soon to be senior said. "I don't focus on my stats. My role was to take on two or three guys, so our linebackers were able to make the tackles. I am able to read the offensive linemen and can usually tell what they are going to be doing." The athletic big man also played some offense in 2018. "I played tight end during two games," Gurley told northstarfootballnews.com. "Next season I will be playing more tight end – usually just down blocking in short-yardage situations." This offseason, Gurley has been focused on his primary position – defensive line. "I have been working on getting my conditioning up. I have also been working on keeping my hands inside. A lot of times when I was taking on double and triple teams, I would stop my feet. I have been working on keeping my feet moving. This summer, I have been doing more defensive line specific stuff – getting my technique down." This spring, Gurley's athletic focus was split. "I played baseball, but had not played since seventh grade, so it was new for me. I played on the JV and played first base, and I pitched a little bit. Usually I play AAU basketball, but this year, I focused on lifting weights and getting ready for the football season." When he wasn't playing baseball – and even when he was - overall strength and conditioning were his football focus. "In the weight room, in the morning we would switch off every other day focusing on upper body and then lower body," the 6'3" 280-pound lineman said. "After school, I would do some running to keep my conditioning up. I wasn't playing basketball, so I ran to keep myself in shape." Gurley has been to camp at Minnesota, Iowa, Northern Iowa and South Dakota State. He is planning to go to South Dakota in July. "There have been some top athletes at those camps," Gurley said. "The competition has been really good. I felt like I performed well against guys who already have big-time offers. I have learned a few things and learned what I need to work on – which I have been working on this summer." His junior season, his work this off-season and his performances at camps have all contributed to interest and offers. "Recruiting has been going well," Gurley explained. "I was getting a lot of Division I attention – Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Iowa, Iowa State – were sending me mail and stuff. I have five offers right now – University of Mary, Concordia-St. Paul, Bemidji State, Minnesota State, and Southwest Minnesota State." Gurley has visited Iowa State, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Iowa. "The main thing I hear from schools is they like how big I am and how fast I am for my size," Gurley said. "They like my aggressiveness, and they know I know the game." Gurley made a successful jump from sophomore football to varsity football last season. If he continues to improve, Gurley will be making another jump in a year – a jump to Division I football.