Brad Carrico is one resilient kid.
During the summer months, most high school kids take some time to relax after a hectic school year, not Carrico though. Instead, the Dublin, Ohio standout’s summer began with surgery and is in the process of ending with an injury.
“I had a tonsillectomy, and had my adenoids taken out” said Carrico. “It helped me with my breathing."
The surgery wasn’t all good news for the Ohio native though.
“I was up to 276 pounds before the surgery, with all the work I had done in the off season,” lamented the future Irish defensive lineman. “After the surgery I dropped 10 pounds, down to around 265 (pounds).”
The loss of weight didn’t deter Carrico however.
“I’m back up to around 270 pounds, and that is the weight I will probably play at this season,” said the 6-foot-6 bruiser.
Just as he had recovered from having his tonsils removed, and was approaching 100 percent health, injury struck.
“My ankle was sore, and the team doctors took a look at it,” said the ESPN three-star player. “It turned out that I had a chipped bone in my ankle, and it was something the doctors and coaches didn’t want to linger throughout the season.”
The ankle injury has not fully interfered with Carrico’s ability to participate in practices, however, but it has limited what he can do.
“The coaches want me taking it easy right now” said the defensive end with the non-stop motor. “Another five days and I should be good to go. By Monday I should be able to participate more in practice”
Is the ankle injury going be a concern moving forward?
“I don’t think so, as long as I give it some time to heal,” explained Carrico, who hails from the same high school as former Notre Dame quarterback, Brady Quinn, and former Notre Dame safety, Chinedum Ndukwe. “I could probably go out there right now and practice, but I want to completely make sure (it's healed).”
Despite the issues that the Notre Dame commit has had to endure this summer, he has not allowed them to affect his positive mindset heading into his senior season.
“I’m excited to get the season going” said the 270-pound intimidator. “Last year we went 12-1 and lost in the regional final to the team that won state. It was tough because we beat that same team earlier in the year”
“We lost a lot of starters, but I think we have guys that have stepped up. Our goal is the same, we just want to win,” admitted Carrico.
When asked if he had any personal goals for the season, he quickly reverted back to his team mentality.
“No real goals, I just want to do what I can to help the team win. I’m playing offensive tackle this year, on top of defensive end,” said the Ohio lineman.
Because Carrico is playing both ways this season, there recently have been rumors surfacing that Notre Dame might give him a look at offensive tackle.
“I’m playing offensive tackle to help my team” said the two-way lineman.
Carrico has also been actively recruiting other players since he became the first player to commit to the Notre Dame's class back in March.
"I started to recruit kids from the Midwest that I knew. I talked to Jarrett Grace, Kyle (Brindza) and Eilar Hardy," explained Carrico. "Jarrett Grace and I got on Eilar a lot about committing."
"I tell kids that when you commit to Notre Dame it’s a 40-year plan, with their alumni group and what their degree is worth." said the well spoken Ohioan. "I tell people that everyone at Notre Dame is nice, and that they have the resources to help you."
He plans to visit Notre Dame at least twice this season, before enrolling early, in January.
“I’m coming to the Michigan one, for sure, and want to get back to another one for my official, but I have yet to set that one up,” said Carrico. “I’m excited about the Michigan game, I’ve never seen a game at Notre Dame before, I know its going to be crazy.”
Before I let star lineman go, I had to get his thoughts on Notre Dame’s upcoming season.
“I feel like they have the skill to win every game,” proclaimed Carrico. "I really feel like coach Kelly and that staff are going to get everything where it needs to be to win.”
Winning every game is undoubtedly Brian Kelly’s goal. Landing lineman with the toughness, tenacity and resiliency of Brad Carrico is a great start.
