If you've never seen Eunice's Junior Caraza play football, it's a sight to be seen. In fact watch the video below.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Caraza is a wrecking ball on the gridiron – destroying nearly anything in his path as you saw on the video. He's a force as a defensive back, laying huge hits on opposing players, and is an explosive weapon at wide receiver and running back for the Cardinals.
A great pure athlete, Caraza has won numerous state track championships, helped Eunice baseball to a state title in 2010 and a runner-up finish last season and was also the basketball team's leading scorer from a year ago.
But it's the football field where he really shines with last week being arguably the best all-around game by a player in Lea County this season.
During Eunice's 60-30 win over Tucumcari, Caraza had five receptions for 195 yards and two scores, ran the ball three times for 105 yards and made 12 tackles (one for a loss) and picked off two passes (returning one 88 yards).
With his combination of speed, strength and toughness, Caraza is a college-level player. I just don't throw that out there about anyone, and even though I've only seen him a handful of times live, he has that "It" factor you can't coach.
I know colleges don't give small-school players the benefit of the doubt sometimes, but Caraza is worth their time. Others will say he may be too small, but there are guys smaller than Caraza making an impact in college football. Look at LSU's Tyrann Mathieu. He's 5-foot-9, 175 pounds but some say he's the best defensive player in college football. There are numerous other examples. Trust me, ask any opponent who has crossed the middle with Caraza out there, they won't say he's too small.
A college here and there are giving him looks, but I think more will start to come. I don't know what level of college he's best suited for, but any college team that has Caraza on its roster next season won't regret the decision.
