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Indiana Football fills huge need with RB transfer Stephen Carr

By Chris Peterson

Apr 17, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) carries the ball during the spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) carries the ball during the spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana football filled one of its biggest needs heading into 2021 by adding former five-star running back Stephen Carr from the transfer portal. 

During his career with USC, Stephen Carr didn’t really live up to the five-star recruiting ranking he had out of high school. But after announcing his transfer to Indiana football on Sunday, he may have found the perfect spot for his final college season.

When he was a recruit in the 2017 class, Carr was ranked as the No. 20 player overall. He committed to USC out of Fontana, California and while he averaged five yards per rushing attempt during his Trojan career, he didn’t become the star some people expected.

Carr did take part in spring practices with USC but then entered the transfer portal on May 11. Five days later he announced that he would be joining Indiana football.

During his first three seasons at USC, Carr went over 350 yards each year and never averaged less than 4.7 yards per attempt. Following his freshman season in 2017, Carr earned Honorable Mention PAC-12 honors.

Carr is also more than a runner. He has returned kicks for the Trojans and also caught 57 passes for 421 yards during his four seasons.

Last season, Carr started three of six games for USC and was second on the team with 176 yards. He only averaged 3.8 yards per rush, but at the same time, Carr has never really had a full-time role with USC.

What his addition means for Indiana football

Carr is 6-foot, 215 pounds and with last season’s starter, Stevie Scott in the NFL, Carr has a shot to be the Hoosiers’ starter next season.

And it’s another impressive recruiting win for Tom Allen and company. The Hoosiers are looking to build on their two-loss season a year ago, and many see them as a contender this year in the Big Ten East.

Yet, the hole at running back was one of the questions heading into the fall. Indiana isn’t void of talent but also didn’t have a sure-fire starter. Carr can carry the rock, pass protect, and he’s a solid receiver.

Carr is also one of the many additions to Indiana football from the transfer portal this offseason as the Indy Star detailed:

"“Along with a running back from USC, the Hoosiers have brought on a wide receiver from Florida State (D.J. Matthews Jr.), an edge-rusher from Auburn (Jaren “Stone” Handy), a defensive end from Ole Miss (Ryder Anderson), and an offensive lineman from Michigan (Zach Carpenter).”"

Indiana football has something going with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. back for next season, the Hoosiers have their eyes set on winning the Big Ten East.

Next. Post-spring Big Ten Power Rankings. dark

It’s a lofty goal with Ohio State in the same division, but the addition of Carr and others from the portal can only help.

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