Friday, Jul. 25, 2008

Dragons QB Padron Commits to SMU

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

Carroll quarterback Kyle Padron is expected to continue the line of successful signal callers to come through the program. And he’s already the newest addition to the school’s tradition of quarterbacks who go on to play Division I college football.

Last Friday, Padron (6-4, 200) gave an oral commitment SMU.

Padron said SMU was the only Division I program to offer.

He became the second Carroll player to commit this summer. Defensive lineman Braydon Burnett committed to Missouri.

SMU is also developing a pipeline to Carroll. This fall, former lineman Mitch Enright is expected to be the starting center, while linebacker Pete Fleps should be seeing a lot of playing time.

"I thought about everything and realized I wanted to play for [new SMU coach] June Jones," Padron said. "This is going to be a good fit for me."

Padron joins Chase Daniel (Missouri), Greg McElroy (Alabama) and Riley Dodge (UNT) as Carroll quarterbacks who have on to the top level of college play.

Last year, Padron was the backup to Dodge and completed 62 percent of his passes.

Padron has continued to make great progress in the offseason mastering Carroll’s offense.

That appeared to impress SMU, which offered in late June. Padron attended SMU’s junior day in May and went to the program’s quarterback camp. He said he dealt exclusively with quarterbacks coach Danny Morrison.

"I know I’m not going to play right away there, but I know I’m capable of playing Division I football," Padron said. "And when I get out there, I’m going to prove myself on every play."

Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day a recruit can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 4, 2009.