Big Target, Big Plays

By: Carson A. Merk, June 29,2017 (Photo Credit: Washington Valor)

“I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller.” Most kids and teenagers that aspire to be professional athletes echo the sentiment behind the chorus of Skee-Lo’s hit song “I Wish”. Height is something you can’t coach or teach to an athlete. Thankfully for Washington Valor wide receiver Greg Carr, he’s not among those wishing they were taller.

While there’s often an adjustment period to high school life for most students, Carr was also dealing with adjusting to a new body. He shares, “I hit my biggest growth spurt going into my freshman year of high school. I went from 6’ to 6’5’’.” The most exciting change was being able to dunk a basketball, because “a dunk was a highlight play and I was the only freshman that could dunk at the time.” His height still earns him rare perks at this point in his athletic career.

Now standing 6’6’’, there is no receiver in the Arena Football League taller than Carr. The majority of the receivers in the AFL are shorter, shiftier players, but Carr’s 87 career touchdowns in the league show he can make plays with the best of them. “I’ve had success due to the fact that I’m able to do many things at my size,” he explains. “I knew at my size, I had to have good footwork and be strong and physical. So that combination allows me to run good routes and be able to impose my will at times.”

Carr mastered his pass catching repertoire as a Florida State Seminole. When he left the college football powerhouse, he ranked fifth in school history for career touchdowns, yards and catches. Which of his fellow former Florida State star receivers does he admire most? Carr admits, “My favorite Florida State wide receiver has always been Anquan Boldin. I study his game and some of the things he does and tried to add it to my game.” While in Tallahassee, he had the honor of playing for legendary coach Bobby Bowden before he departed the university. “Coach Bowden and his coaching staff at FSU had a huge impact on my career ” Carr acknowledged. “He really gave me the tools to develop my game, and instilled hard work and dedication to be the best at your craft. Plus, he also taught things about becoming a man.”

The Valor will take on the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday, and Carr will be looking to use his size and skills to end Washington’s eight game losing streak. With 14 touchdowns already this season, his height clearly has its advantages. Is there a downside? “Shopping for clothes can be a headache at times. Also finding shoes,” he shares. That’s a small price to pay to be a big AFL star.