Jared Cohen
Many remember the state championship game between Saguaro and Canyon del Oro back in 2007. But for those of you who don’t, one story was Saguaro won the game. Another story, a sophomore by the name of Ka’Deem Carey put himself on the map state-wide with an electrifying kick-off return for touchdown.
Fast forward to today, Carey is forgoing his final season in an Arizona Wildcat uniform for the NFL Draft after having quite possibly the most remarkable career of any running back in the program’s history.
“I’m excited for the next phase of my career and to enter the NFL Draft,” Carey said. “I want to thank God, my family, Coach Rodriguez, Coach Magee and all of my coaches for everything they’ve done for me. My time playing football for Arizona will always be very special to me and I want to thank the fans and the Tucson community for supporting me throughout my career.”
The two-time Consensus All-American, a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection and the 2013 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year owns or shares 26 sigle-game, season or career records for Arizona. He is Wildcats’ all-time career rushing leader and ranks seventh all-time in Pac-12 history. Carey owns the Arizona and Pac-12 single-game rushing records (366 yards vs. Colorado in 2012) and Arizona’s single-season rushing record (1,929 yards in 2012).
Carey is coming off a 2013 season which many questioned if it was even possible to upstage or even match his remarkable 2012 campaign. He totaled 1,885 yards on 349 carries in 2013, scored 19 touchdowns on the ground and averaged 157.1 yards per game which was good for 2nd nationally.
“Ka’Deem Carey was a great player for us,” mentioned head coach Rich Rodriguez. “We wish him all the best as he pursues his professional career.”
CBSSports.com had Carey as the number one ranked running back in this upcoming draft class and a projected second round pick before he declared on Monday. He is the number three running back prospect according to ESPN’s Todd McShay. How draft boards are changed and rumors from NFL execs change their stance as a result of him declaring will be interesting to see.
As for the Wildcats themselves heading into 2014, there will be a lot of questions regarding the team and quite possibly some doubters to how the offense will adjust post-Ka’deem. But Carey provided this statement to the Wildcat faithful after about the state of the program.
“The future of Arizona football is bright. Bear Down.”
