Xavier Carlton doesn’t talk much. He never really has.
The truth is though, he has a lot to say. The rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet.
“It’s better to be a silent warrior than a loud one,” Carlton said. “When you’re coming in silence, no one expects you.”
Opposing teams would be hard-pressed not to expect the senior outside linebacker’s presence on Saturdays. Perpetually lurking on the edge with long arms and a colossal 6-foot-6, 275-pound frame, Carlton has made life hell for offenses this year, whether he’s drawing triple teams at the line or shutting down passing lanes in coverage.
With a career-high nine sacks in nine games so far this season, he has the seventh-highest sack rate in the country. His most recent effort saw him finish with five tackles, two sacks and a pair of QB hurries in Cal football’s 46-36 win over Wake Forest. That resulted in an ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week award, the first in-season conference honor of his career.
What Carlton was able to accomplish in that game, and all throughout his senior season, has all been a part of his plan to prove his doubters wrong, something that’s been front and center in his mind for some time.
“After the season I had in 2023, I went on the internet one day to look at the NFL draft stock and where people are at. I was basically fifth, maybe seventh round,” Carlton said. “That kind of irked me a little bit.”
Carlton immediately opened his journal and began writing down his goals for his final collegiate season: “Be a Cal legend. Set the sack record. Have fun with my teammates for the last time.”
Contained within that journal is a life’s-journey worth of words and wisdom. It not only serves as a tool for manifesting his own personal success, but as a guide for others.
“I write down words of the week for myself that I usually share with my teammates on Friday nights,” Carlton said. “Last week, that word was basically, ‘Conquer.’ Conquer who’s in front of you. Do your job. Run to the ball and have fun.”
Without fail, every week during the season also includes a pair of phone calls from Xavier’s parents, Demetrius and Lorraine.
“We talk to Xavier every Friday night to see how he’s doing, and he’ll be writing in his book,” Demetrius said. “We’ll also talk to him every Saturday morning before the game to make sure his head is right. There’s not one game that’s gone by in his career where we haven’t done that. It’s our ritual.”
Growing up in Modesto, Xavier…
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