CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Carroll Tigers have added depth to their roster. Head coach Cal Neatherlin, who is in his third season at Carroll, is particularly pleased about the move as the Tigers are relegated to UIL 5A-DII. Two years ago, the Tigers had 41 players on the varsity team. This year, there are 65.

“We may not have a lot of core players back in the starting lineup, but we have a lot of guys who have played an incredible amount of time,” Neatherlin said. “We’re excited. Honestly, we can’t wait to get started.”

The Tigers are returning experienced leaders from the trenches to help new quarterback Nick Cantu, who transferred from Ray, fit in well.

“He can run and throw,” said Bobbie Ochoa, a senior defensive end and tight end at Carroll. “He can definitely run a little bit. Don’t let him get out of the pocket. He can definitely make a play.”

Carroll has three to four quarterbacks in the lineup. They all develop good chemistry with speedy running back Robert Muhammad and their arsenal of receivers.

“We’re going to be faster and bigger,” Neatherlin said. “As you can see, we have a lot of big receivers. I think people are going to be surprised this year.”

It was no surprise that Carroll hired new defensive coordinator Charles Harris, who brings energy and intensity that serve as a foundation for the defense.

“I feel like we’re a really good fit,” said Christopher Cruz, Carroll’s senior defensive end and left tackle. “With the new coach and everything, everything’s going well. We’re getting everything done. Even the young players. We have a good group of experienced starters.”

The Tigers have been relegated to UIL 5A-DII. They are expected to finish third in District 14, which would put them in the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

“That’s just been the main goal since our sophomore year two years ago when we got coach Neatherlin,” Cruz said. “Let’s try to get it back to the way it was.”

Carroll opens the season on Friday, August 30th at 7 p.m. at Cabaniss Stadium against the Alice Coyotes.