Carlton to walk-on at USF

Former Lakewood Ranch High multi-sport standout Jake Carlton has decided to walk on to the USF football team.

It’s not certain how the Bulls will use the 6-3, 210 pound tight-end, who was also a two year starter on the Mustangs basketball team. He was used as a tight end last season and previously had worked as a defensive back.

Though he will not receive an athletic scholarship, at least in the beginning, Carlton will have most of his costs taken care of by his Bright Futures Scholarship. At USF, he will join his former teammate, Austin Reiter, who was the Mustangs top offensive lineman last season and enrolled in college in January.

Last season, Carlton caught 21 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. He gained a reputation as a very physical, hard-nose player who was very good at blocking in the Mustangs run game. He also ran the ball five times for 43 yards.

On the basketball court, Carlton was known for his toughness and ability to get down in the post and mix it up with taller players. He was a very unselfish player and a had good mid-range jumper.