Baylor Bound: Q&A with Sandia DL Sam Carrell

Six-foot-4, 252-pound Sandia defensive end [player_tooltip player_id="26154" first="Sam" last="Carrell"] is one of the most physically imposing high school football players in the state of New Mexico, and the No. 2 prospect in our 2021 rankings. Born into a military family (his father is a Colonel in the Air Force), Carrell has lived all over the United States, including Kansas City, Washington D.C., Florida and presently New Mexico. His mother is originally from the Dominican Republic. Based on his size and skill, it’s not surprising Carrell transformed into a major college football prospect. As a junior in 2019, he recorded 51 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks for Sandia. This season, Carrell will try to lead the Matadors to success in one of the toughest districts in the state, one that includes Clovis, La Cueva, Manzano and Eldorado. After getting offers from New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico and Northern Colorado, Carrell was offered by new Baylor head coach Dave Aranda in April and quickly committed to the Bears without first visiting the campus in Waco, Tex. He says he is 100 percent committed to Baylor and has rejected overtures from other coaches after making his pledge. Carrell spoke with Prep Redzone New Mexico about his commitment to Baylor: <strong>Q: What do you like best about Baylor? </strong> A: I was looking for a great education and to play at the highest level. Baylor is a top school and plays Power 5 football. I wasn’t into collecting offers, so when Baylor offered, it was an easy choice to commit. <strong>Q: What impressed you the most on your virtual tour of the Baylor campus? </strong> A: The new facilities on the river and the stadium is top level. <strong>Q: What factors convinced you Baylor was the best choice for you? </strong> A: The coaches and the relationships they built over a couple of months let me know it was the best fit for my academic and football future. <strong>Q: How do you see yourself fitting into the Baylor defense? </strong> A: I’ll probably be flexing between defensive end and defensive tackle, using my size and athleticism. <strong>Q: How did your conversations with the Baylor coaches go when you told him you were committed? </strong> A: Coach Aranda and the Baylor coaching staff were very excited. I was glad the recruiting process was over. <strong>Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?</strong> A: I see myself as an edge rusher, but I also have the size and athleticism to stop the run and hold the strong side of the field. I feel my biggest strengths are my arm length and speed. I just need to work at being consistently dominant. https://twitter.com/samcarrelll/status/1250962031286423553 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;