:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34806643/20131116_kkt_sa9_658.0.jpg)
Hailing from a prestigious Texas high school football program, Mookie Carlile was one of the first commitments of 2014, and after serious looks from major programs; he stuck to his commitment and signed with UTEP back in February.
One of the gems of the 2014 class is the 6'1 hard hitting safety who drew interest from Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech, but will roam the defensive backfield in the Miners 4-2-5 look.
Carlile lead his team in interceptions for the 2013 season, he picked off five passes to go along with 90 tackles, and seven pass breakups, garnering All-District 7-3A first team honors as a senior.
He broke onto the scene his sophomore year after being named District 8-4A Co-Newcomer of the Year, he had six interceptions that season, and would help lead Stephenville to three straight district championships during his tenure as a Yellow Jacket.
Ranked as the 73rd best safety in the nation, Carlile is branded as a two star prospect by Rivals, racking up 13 interceptions in his solid, and uber productive high school career, winning the 3A Division 1 State Title in 2012 as well.
Carlile was part of a Stephenville program that consistently wins, and puts out division one football players, Carlile could see some immediate time on the field this season apart of what could be a deep secondary unit for the Miners.
It appears he has the mold to fit all three safety positions, something we will see from Sean Kugler and Defensive Coordinator Scott Stoker prospect's in the secondary, versatile defensive backs that are tough, and were ultra-productive high school players.
How versatile is Mookie? In a 64-42 win last season season over Amarillo, Carlile recovered a muffed punt, recorded an interception, and also had two catches for 61 yards and touchdown. Carlile was also a standout on the baseball diamond as a member of Stephenville's 3A Final Four team in 2013.
With the Miners shuffle of defensive backs last year because of injury, I can see Carlile as a key reserve this year as he gets his feet wet in the scheme, waiting in the wings to become an impact starter in the next couple of seasons.
Carlile maybe the most seasoned player in this recruiting class, thanks to deep playoff runs during his career to supplement his football IQ further as a prospect, but also playing at a program were winning is expected, he could very well bring those much needed, and welcomed winning traits and habits over from Stephenville.
The stregnth in the 2014 class was on both the defensive and offensive fronts, but Mooke Carlile is a proven commodity in the secondary that has special written all over his signing.