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SALT LAKE CITY — Now we know why the Utah coaching staff excitedly brought in a player with a litany of trouble, including a DUI charge last summer that led to him getting kicked off Oregon’s team.
It took only three games for Darren Carrington II to become Utah’s best receiver since joining the Pac-12 seven years ago. The senior, who only has this season of eligibility, has already totaled 26 receptions for 409 yards and four touchdowns.
“I did not know what his consistency would be,” said Utah receivers coach Guy Holliday. “My expectation wasn’t quite as high as what he’s given us so far.”
Poor production through the air is a primary reason Utah is the only team of six in the South Division yet to finish in first place. The Utes have had only one receiver — Dres Anderson in 2013 — reach at least 1,000 yards in a single season.
Carrington gives them an all-conference caliber receiver with NFL capability. His connection with new starting quarterback Tyler Huntley has the Utes liking their chances to represent the South in the Pac-12 championship game.
“We are making the strides uphill,” Carrington said, “and we will only keep going from here. Once we get to that point, we will be a force to be reckoned with.”
No wonder Carrington keeps getting lifelines to continue his college career despite repeated issues. In addition to the DUI charge, which according to the police report he drank alcohol and smoked marijuana, Carrington missed Oregon’s national championship game against Ohio State in 2014 after allegedly failing a drug test.
During the suspension that continued into the next season, he was cited by police for an open container violation. He also was accused last fall of shoving and breaking the arm of a university graduate student, although no charges were filed.
When new Oregon coach Willie Taggart had enough, the Utes were there to extend a helping hand. Carrington’s reputation as an outstanding player — he caught the winning touchdown to beat Utah last November — certainly preceded him.
“Let’s be honest,” Holliday said, “the first thing in athletics that you notice is the player. That’s just reality. We knew who he was as a player. If he was just another guy who was a depth guy, our radar probably wouldn’t have been raised about him. But he’s a really good football player, so I’m not going to sit here and lie.”
A passionate coach who often waxes philosophical during media interviews, Holliday believes in helping troubled players. He pointed to NFL players Brett Favre and Ray Lewis who capitalized on second chances.
In Carrington’s case, Holliday said, the coaches met with the player and his parents before deciding the risk was worth it. Their conversations did not involve football.
“People can be rebuilt,” Holliday said. “It’s all within the person. If you can see that within the person, I think you owe it to him.”
Especially when he is a difference-maker on the field.
Coach Kyle Whittingham has worked with several reclamation projects in previous seasons, judging each case on an individual basis. Last season, Dominique Hatfield served suspensions but still managed to graduate and now plays for his hometown Los Angeles Rams.
“I’m sure (Whittingham) can look back and say there’s been some guys who he took a chance on and didn’t make it, but there’s a lot more that have,” Holliday said.
So far, the risk with Carrington has been zero. He has had no issues and presented himself well in all media opportunities.
Carrington appreciates playing for Utah and doesn’t want to let down his coaches. He also believes the Oregon media didn’t portray him accurately.
“I’m just trying to stay low and show people who I really am on and off the field because I’m not that guy they portrayed me (as),” he said.
“What was so important about here is (the coaches) actually looked into the true story and all those little allegations about me. They looked into the true facts.”
Carrington said Whittingham is equally interested in his success on and off the field. The critics also motivate him to stay out of trouble.
“I felt like this was the place God was calling me,” he said.
