Fresno State Athletics
Hill Adds New Players at Spring Semester
1/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 23, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Pat Hill is getting a jump start on restocking his football roster for the 2009 season, as he welcomed three new scholarship student-athletes to campus this week.
The newcomers are quarterback Derek Carr from Bakersfield, Calif., defensive end Terrance Kindle and linebacker Daniel Salinas, both from Houston, Texas.
"We are pleased that these three young men were able to join the program in the spring semester," said Hill. "Having graduated from high school a semester early, they have taken care of business in the classroom and are mature enough to enter college. It will be a great benefit to them to be able to join our team immediately, get involved with our off season strength and conditioning program and go through spring ball."
Salinas (6-1, 205) played middle linebacker for Galena Park North Shore was selected the Most Valuable Player in the 21-5A District of Texas after his senior season, leading one of the top defensive units in Texas. Salinas, a quick and smart player who made all of the calls for the Mustangs.
"Daniel is the kind of player who really jumps out on film," said Hill. "He is always around the football and making plays. He reminds me of Maurice Rodriquez (former All-WAC linebacker and Kansas City Chiefs player). He's tough and has great football instincts and played at a high level of football in Texas."
Kindle (6-4, 225) was selected first-team All-District 21 5-A. He had one interception and one fumble recovery.
"Terrance has a great frame for growth," said Hill. "We expect he will develop into a pass rusher for the Bulldogs. He was a dominating player on the line in a great division of Texas high school football."
North Shore finished the season with a 9-1 record, the lone loss coming in the second round of the state playoffs. The Mustangs were ranked No. 16 in the state at the end of the season and held opponents to just 10.9 points per game. They held opponents to 10 points or fewer in six-of-10 games. Since the 2000 season, the Mustangs, coached by David Aymond, have been one of the most successful programs in Texas with a record of 104-10.
Kindle and Salinas were high school teammates of Bulldog defensive tackle Chase McEntee.
Carr (6-3, 180) comes to Fresno State from Bakersfield Christian High School and was rated by one recruiting service as the 12th best quarterback in the nation.
The youngest brother of former Bulldog quarterback David Carr, the 2001 Johnny Unitas Award winner and 2002 No. 1 NFL pick, Derek Carr played two seasons of high school football in the Houston area before moving back to his hometown of Bakersfield the summer before his senior year.
Carr guided his team to a 12-1 record and threw for 4,067 yards and 46 touchdowns. He led Bakersfield Christian to the Division V Central Section title.
He ranked third in California and 11th in the nation for high school quarterbacks in passing yards. He completed 68 percent of his passes while throwing just nine interceptions in 413 pass attempts. He rushed for 281 yards, averaging 8 yards per carry, and five touchdowns. He had a 62 yard touchdown run against Coast Union.
He threw at least five touchdown passes in four of his 13 games, including two games of six touchdowns (vs. Parlier and Fowler). He directed an offense that averaged 44 points per game. He threw for 541 yards and four touchdowns against Arvin and against Shafter he completed 13-of-17 passes for 269 yards with five touchdowns.
While at Clements High Schools in Sugarland, Texas, he threw for 2,868 yards and 28 touchdowns in his sophomore and junior seasons combined.
Carr is one of 10 finalists for the State of California Mr. Football Award as the state's top player.
"Derek Carr has been around our program for a long time and it's great that he's decided to be a Bulldog," said Hill. "He's as talented a passing quarterback as we've signed since I've been here. He's got a great command of the game and comes from a wonderful family and a true football family. We are excited he's on campus and I know he's ready to get to work."
The Bulldogs will have 16 scholarships to fill on National Signing Day, Feb. 4.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs hit the road as they travel to San Jose to take on the Spartans on Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 pm. The `Dogs return home to the Save Mart Center on Wednesday, January 28 as they host Houston Baptist at 7:00 pm. It's Working Wednesday at the Save Mart Center and fans can enter their business cards in the enter-to-win box for a chance to win prizes. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
