Despite stature, Carr and Garman play big

They've heard the knock. They're too small.

“I think size is a little bit overrated. But I guess it's what a lot of college coaches look at,” said Linn-Mar's Jer Garman. “If someone runs hard, it doesn't matter if they're 5-(foot)-8 or 6-1.”

Garman and Cedar Rapids Washington's Alex Carr are on the short end of that scale; both are listed at 5-9 (which may be generous) and 170-175 pounds. But it hasn't stopped them from racking up big numbers.

Nearly identical numbers.

Carr has rushed for 1,104 yards (on 143 carries) and 18 touchdowns. Garman has compiled 1,101 yards (on 115 carries) and 17 TDs.

They'll collide, somewhat, when Class 4A sixth-ranked Linn-Mar (6-0) hosts No. 10 Washington (5-1) in a Mississippi Valley Conference football game Friday at Armstrong Field.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach Tim Lewis, whose team lost close games to Linn-Mar and Washington, offered this assessment on both backs:

“I think they're two of the best I've seen in this league. Jer can cut on a dime. He has the amazing ability to make cuts at full speed. He's a shifty water-bug type, and the fact that he's small actually helps because he's hard to find behind his line.

“Alex, he's not as shifty, but he's extremely fast and his acceleration through the hole makes him tough to catch. Washington had Andre Dawson last year, and he could run you over. Alex is a combination of (Garman and Dawson).”

The Warriors have had eight days to stew over their first loss of the season, a 31-0 whipping administered by Iowa City High.

“We have to have a short memory,” Carr said. “We've got to get our heads ready for (this) week.”

Last week was Washington's homecoming week. Now, it's the Lions' turn to celebrate - and to face the distractions that come with it.

“I think the last 10 years, Linn-Mar hasn't won its homecoming game,” Garman said.

“It's a big deal. I'm glad it's a tough game. That makes it that much a better experience. You try to measure everything out date-wise, but you have to keep that stuff in the closet and focus on the football game.”

Linn-Mar has enjoyed a football renaissance since Coach Bob Forsyth arrived; the Lions are 15-2 through the past two seasons, and a beautiful new stadium is under construction on campus to replace flood-prone Armstrong.

Garman is a three-year starter, compiling 3,974 career rushing yards - 1,012 as a sophomore, 1,861 as a junior, 1,101 thus far this season.

“You never know what's going to happen when he touches the ball,” said Carr, who, as a defensive back, will try to help contain him. “He has a chance of breaking it on any play.”

A Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Garman grew up enchanted with Jerome Bettis. Carr's role model was a little more close-by.

“(Former Washington and Wayne State running back) Travis Rhone lived right around the corner from us. I'd be over there all the time playing video games,” he recalled.

“I remember, he'd have boxes and letters from colleges all over the country. I'd think to myself, I wanted to be that guy.”

The recruiting process for Carr - and for Garman - has been relatively quiet. Again, that size factor.

“It's been a little different that I expected, not getting the phone off the hook,” Carr said. “I'm not really worried about it. I'm worried about focusing on doing my thing.

“To be honest, I don't think my best skills are on the field. My best skill is being a leader and bringing everybody on the team up.”

“Whatever the team needs. I just like football, and as much as I love football, I want to be on the field.”