Standout QB going under the radar

Robinson, Texas quarterback Carson Earp is no stranger to big numbers and big moments.

The son of Robinson defensive coordinator, Craig Earp, Carson has been around the game his entire life. He remembers his dad giving him a sheet of route combinations when he was a young boy and from then on out he knew he wanted to know more.

As a sophomore, Earp drew attention as the starting quarterback at Jacksboro High in Jacksboro, Texas. Throwing for 2,838 yards and 31 TDs while completing 196 of 354 passes and earning first-team all-district honors.

Moving to Robinson, Texas and from class 2A to 3A did not slow him down any as a junior in 2011. The 6-3.5, 197-pound signal caller earned all-area and district MVP honors after throwing for over 3500 yards and 36 TDs.

The stats are great, but Earp prides himself on more than his numbers.

"I have game knowledge. My dad's a coach. I've been around the game since I was four. I know football and how to make good decisions," Earp said. "I think I've gotten stronger from last year. I've put on about 10 pounds and have a little more velocity on my throws and have a little stronger arm. My footwork got better over the last year. I can move around when needed. I move around and extend plays, but I'm looking to throw the ball down the field still. I'm not necessarily trying to take off down the field for 40 yards."

Interest came from college coaches in the spring and summer with Memphis and North Texas showing the most attention. Others kept in touch but wanted to see how he did as a senior. There has only been one problem though.

"I played a game and a half and I got hurt in our second game on our first drive of the third quarter," Earp said. "Then I've played one since I've come back. That hurt a little bit because some schools wanted me to send them my senior tape, my highlights from my first five games. Well, I didn't play five games."

In the games he has played he feels good about how he has performed.

"It's good. We're having a good year. I've been throwing it alright," Earp said. "I missed three games. I had a little sprained MCL, but I came back last week and played West. It went pretty good. We scored 42 points in the first half. We play Connally this week and it will be our toughest game so far."

He maintans his focus on the his senior season, but is hopeful recruiting will pick up. Ivy League schools have shown interest lately, and Earp is open to all options.

"I just want to play college football," Earp said. "I just want to get a chance to play."