Xavier Carter on different level of speed

Many top college prospects dream about the day they’ll get to perform in such settings as the Rose Bowl, the “Big House” or “The Swamp” and in front of millions of television viewers across the country.

For one Florida star, however, the stage could be even bigger.

Palm Bay’s Xavier Carter has established a reputation as perhaps the fastest player in the Class of 2004 and could find himself representing not only a school contending for a national championship but an entire country as well.

“We’re talking about a kid who’ll probably be in the Olympics next year or four years down the road,” Palm Bay coach Dan Burke said. “A lot of guys can run, but not like Xavier. He’s on a whole different level of speed.”

Carter (6-3, 190, 4.35) recently competed in the Arcadia Invitational in California. He became the first athlete in the history of the meet to win the 100-, 200- and 400-meter sprints. His time of 10.38 in the 100 was an Arcadia record, and he currently holds the top three times in the nation for those events.

“He loves both track and football,” Burke said. “I think he’s probably got a track-first mentality because he’s running at such a high level, but he wants to play both sports on the college level. He’s just an incredible talent.”

As a junior at Palm Bay, Carter caught 28 passes for 757 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged more than 27 yards per catch in earning honorable mention Class 4A all-state honors.

Burke said his production would be even greater, but Palm Bay runs a ball-control offense and plays to its defensive strengths. He also noted that track season has prevented Carter from completely polishing his football skills.

“The only downside, from a football perspective, is we’ve only had him about one week a year for spring practice because he’s always in some sort of championship for track,” Burke said. “I don’t think he’s begun to scratch the surface of his football potential.”

In addition to the blazing speed, Burke said Carter’s big frame and willingness to mix it up have made scouts drool.

“Xavier’s got the great height and he’s physical,” Burke said. “He’s not afraid of contact. Some of your other track guys aren’t like that. He’s a tough kid.

“He’s also got the instincts you can’t coach. He’ll go up and get the ball in a crowd. He’s got real nice hands. He’s an all-state basketball player, so that helps him with his hands. In the open field, he sees things develop and knows how to run after the catch. He’s really good on kickoff and punt returns, too.”

According to Burke, Carter has already drawn “about 15 written scholarship offers and another 20 verbal.”

Among those offering to date are Florida, LSU, Florida State, Miami, Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn and UCLA.

“There’s so many coming in every day, it’s hard to keep up with them all,” Burke said. “Everyone will offer him at some point or another.

“I think Florida and LSU are probably the leaders, though. Both of them seem to have a real good shot at him. He likes the convenience and closeness of Florida. With LSU, he’s got some family from that area and he’s really high on their combination of football and track. They were in here the other day to talk with him. I think he likes them quite a bit.

“UCLA may be starting to make a bit of a push, too. I know he liked it when he was out there (for the Arcadia Invitational). They left a good impression on him.”

Miami has also been mentioned prominently by the Carter family in recent weeks. The Hurricanes will likely be one of the main teams to watch as his recruitment unfolds.

A solid student, Carter maintains a GPA near 3.0 and should easily qualify, Burke said.