McQueen's Carr helps drive Broncos

Chris Carr is ready. The former McQueen standout is primed for the Boise State defense to have another big year and get the notoriety it so richly deserves.

The Broncos were the top defense in the WAC last season, first against the run (100.5) and seventh against the pass (247.9). The Broncos held teams to 14 points or less in six of their 14 games.

"We just got overshadowed by (QB Ryan) Dinwiddie," said the 5-10 184-pound Carr of his former teammate, who threw for more than 4,300 yards last year, and is in training camp with the Chicago Bears. "You can't complain. When you win games and championships, the quarterback is always going to get more publicity than other people."

With seven starters back, including Carr in the secondary, the Broncos' defense is ready to shine and deserves to be the focal point of the team.

"Offense sells tickets and defense wins games and championships," BSU head coach Dan Hawkins said. "Our defense has led the WAC the past two seasons. They've quietly established themselves as a force. Back in 2002, there was only one team that scored 10 or more points against us the last half of the season."

Carr has quietly gone about his job with little fanfare. He started the last part of his freshman season, and then was moved to rover back for his sophomore season and has been there ever since.

"I'd do whatever the team needs me to do," Carr said. "Rover is a tough spot. I think I was a capable corner."

"Chris is a very good talent," Hawkins said. "He could still play cornerback. In our conference, we have teams that like to throw it around. It's hard to have a true strong safety in this league the way the teams spread you out. He's like a third cornerback. He's physical enough to play the run, and fast enough to cover."

His numbers back up that statement. Carr had 81 tackles, six tackles for negative yardage, three fumble recoveries and six deflections. He enjoyed a career-high 11 tackles in a 31-17 win over Fresno State on national TV, and later had an 11-tackle game against TCU in the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl, a 34-31 win over TCU. He also had two tackles for negative yardage, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection in that game.

"I thought I played well all year," Carr said. "As the season went along, I got better; got more confidence.

"I'm seeing things a whole lot faster than I did in the past. I can tell which receiver stays with his route. Watching film I can pick up on this. I love (playing WAC teams) because after three years I know what the receivers like to do."

While he has become one of the defensive leaders, Carr also has become a force on special teams, shining on kickoff and punt returns last season.

The McQueen grad returned 27 kicks for 710 yards, a 26.3 average. That ranked him 15th in the NCAA. He had six punt returns for 119 yards, a 19.8 average.

"It's exciting to have him returning kicks for us again this year," Hawkins. "He did an outstanding job last season."

The Carr File

Position: Rover

Height: 5-10

Weight: 184

Year in school: Senior

Major: American Govt.& Public Policy Emphasis

Notable: Worked his way into a starting cornerback spot late his freshman year, and then has started the past three seasons at rover. Dangerous punt and kickoff return man, averaging 19.8 and 26.3, respectively, last season.