Caleb Carson is a standout two-way player for the Lovejoy Wildcats and announced his commitment to the Stanford Cardinals because, well, it felt a lot like a very familiar place.
“I chose Stanford because it felt like home, I loved the coaching staff and the campus. I kind of built a little bond with the players while I was there as well, it just felt right and felt like home,” said Carson.
Carson continued to build a rapport with Stanford’s safeties coach Kodi Whitfield, who was a key part of his recruitment process and why he felt so comfortable choosing the Cardinals.
“Me and coach Whit (safety’s coach) have a cool relationship. He’s a Stanford alumni, so I can learn a lot from him. I know he will pour all in and be very locked in because he wants our DB room to be sound. He’s a great guy overall, and I can always talk to him when I need to,” said Carson.
The Cardinals have a new head coach, Frank Reich at the helm, who was hired by former Stanford great Andrew Luck, who is the general manager for his alma mater. Carson is excited to learn and be able to play under one of the best to play the sport he loves.
“It’s very exciting to be able to play under Andrew Luck, he’s one of the greats, and I think he could teach me a lot of things not even about football about life itself and also the league,” said Carson.
His official visit to Stanford was another big piece of why he chose the Cardinals. Stanford also provides a great education and a degree that is beneficial for the future.
“What stood out to me on my visit was how committed they were to not only the football part but the academics as well. Also, their coaching staff and the bond looked so tight; everyone looked very happy to be there. Education was very important to me because I want a great degree, that’s one of the main reasons I chose Stanford,” said Carson.
Stanford is putting together a respectable class for 2026 and already has a No. 30 Composite Ranking per 247Sports. They currently have two four-star prospects in Lasiah Jackson (Lee County) and Ryelan Morris (TX) and 17 three-stars. Jackson is a star for a perennial contender in 5A.
“I’m excited to team up with Lasiah. I know the competition in practice will be high, so I’m very excited,” said Carson.
In terms of the upcoming season, the Lovejoy looks primed to have a big season led by Carson, Chad Fairchild, and Tim Sims, who are some of their veteran leaders. Carson has continued to be a key piece for the Wildcats, who have made the playoffs every year he has played for the program. Carson’s two-way prowess makes him exceptional, and although he appreciates the praise, he knows there is more work to do, which is what makes him a great player. He is always learning and trying to get better every day, which is something his dad instilled in him, who is the head coach for the Wildcats and has been at the helm since 2014.
“It means a lot to be one of the best to come out of Lovejoy. I still think I have a lot of people to catch up to, but I definitely feel good to be recognized as one of the best to come out. I love playing under my dad, him being the head coach really was a touch at first because I definitely had haters and doubters,” said Carson. He was real tough on me but a lot of people don’t get to experience playing under there dads so I never take it for granted and enjoy every single moment of it,” said Carson.
When I got the chance to see Lovejoy in the spring, the defense was playing at a high level with a pretty prolific offense in Jonesboro, which has been a strong team in 4A under head coach Tim Floyd. The Wildcats were flying to the ball, creating pressure and making it tough for Jonesboro to get it going. Although it is spring and you take it with a grain of salt, you can see how much the team has improved and why they can be a threat in 2025.
“For me, spring was definitely good for me, and I know we definitely will have a good team this year with great leadership all across the board. No matter the grade difference or age difference, we are working every day to get better and be a player-led team,” said Carson. “I confidently can say we have a great team and are the No.1 team in Clayton County, no matter what anybody says.”
After an elite 2024 campaign that saw Carson named all-state by the Georgia Athletic Association and make all-region again, he has his sights on taking it to another level for the 2025 season. For one, continuing to make a strong impact on both sides of the ball, but also making some noise in 4A. With his talent, Carson is definitely primed to do so and put the whole state on notice.
“My goals for 2025 are definitely getting all-state again, making the region team again, having six or more picks and 11 touchdowns with more than 800 yards, and just leading my team to a deep playoff run and of course chasing that ring. We have so many athletes, everyone is gonna eat this year,” said Carson
Carson is just one part of an underrated team that is brewing with talent at every position. With the commitment to Stanford now locked in, he can focus on his final season and help send out the senior class the right way.
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