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100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 20 Jeff Carr

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Fall camp is rolling and we are less than three weeks away from the start of college football. Let’s look at a player who’s made strides from a physical standpoint and is now one of the elder statesmen among the running back group.

How he got to OSU

Carr was an undersized and unrecruited all-purpose back out of Temple High School (Texas) when Mike Gundy pulled up his YouTube highlights, with some assistance from one of his kids. Carr’s 5-foot-7, 170-pound frame seemed to keep college coaches away. But there was no arguing with his speed — a sub-4.40 40-yard dash — and his elusiveness on offense and special teams.

The two Gundys reviewed the reel and decided Carr was a Division-I football player. Just like that, Carr was headed to Stillwater.

What he’s done in Stillwater

Carr earned immediate playing time in a support role at tailback and as the featured kickoff returner. There were some growing pains but his physical gifts were apparent. Now, after two-plus years in the program, Carr has beefed up to 190 pounds and looks at a possible opening in the three-deep at running back.

Role in 2017

The competition for backup running back is one of the most important narratives driving fall camp. Gundy discussed the depth during OSU’s Media Day last week.

“Carr is still there,” Gundy said. “He’s better than what he was. There will be a small role for him at times, and I like the freshmen.”

His role as a “scatback” has been effective when used in certain situations. And he may figure into the return game like the last two seasons even though Tyron Johnson says he will have a role returning kicks as well.

“I’ve liked the guys we’ve had here,” Gundy continued. “I think Carr has been here long enough that we understand what his role is.” Gundy admitted that they haven’t made a decision on running depth but will in the coming practices.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Carr led all running backs with an average of 6.9 yards per carry last season albeit in a limited role. But he’s shown his playmaking ability in spurts including this memorable touchdown against TCU in 2015.

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