From heartbreak to hero, Carrington to 'repair all their hearts this year'

SALT LAKE CITY — In consecutive touchdowns at Rice-Eccles Stadium, senior Darren Carrington II has received drastically different receptions from the sea of red surrounding the University of Utah’s field.

Last November, Carrington, then a member of the University of Oregon’s football program, shattered Utah’s hearts as he narrowly got his foot down in the corner of the end zone for a last-second, game-winning touchdown catch. It also happened to be the last touchdown scored at Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 2016 season.

Carrington’s touchdown catch is one Utah will never forget given its devastating impact on the team’s chances at claiming a Pac-12 South division title — a loss to a bad Oregon team in a promising season where the South was in Utah’s grasp.

On Thursday, now in red and a leader of Utah’s receiving corps, Carrington got a more friendly reception from Utah fans as he scored the team’s first touchdown of the night on an 18-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Tyler Huntley. Carrington had become the embodiment of an improved offensive scheme brought in under new offensive coordinator Troy Taylor.

“I’m sorry, last year was last year and every time I step on the field I want to make a play,” Carrington told ESPN 700 following Utah’s 37-16 victory over North Dakota Thursday. “I’m going to repair all their hearts this year and make a lot of plays at Rice-Eccles.”

It’s a simple phrase from Carrington, but one that Utah fans will love to hear as the team attempts to raise its offensive identity in a conference dominated by high-powered offenses. Utah’s new dynamic offense highlights a plethora of athletes, but none more than someone like Carrington, who finished the game with 10 receptions — a career high — for 127 yards as the team’s leading receiver.

“I think it showcases — not just me very well, but with Zack (Moss) and Tyler (Huntley) — it’s just too many weapons,” Carrington told media following the game. “All the defenses are going to have to pick their poison on which one you’re going to stop.”

And although Utah managed 499 yards of total offense and a much more diverse playbook Thursday, Carrington said the team hasn’t come close to opening up the playbook and showing its offensive potential.

“You guys didn’t see anything, honestly,” Carrington said to ESPN 700. “We didn’t bring anything out of the books. Nothing to North Dakota, they’re a great team, but we kept it under the rug and we’ll probably bring some things out next week.”

Although Carrington’s touchdown and production on the field Thursday was a positive sign for a fan base desperate for an improved offense, it was the opportunity to play football again — a second chance — that means more to the senior receiver.

Following multiple run-ins with the law, including a DUI offense earlier this year, Carrington was dismissed from Oregon. He instantly found a home at Utah — a place where he says he’s now part of a brotherhood.

“On my visit, honestly, I adapted to these guys super fast,” Carrington told ESPN 700. “It’s something that I didn’t have at my old school, and I love it.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, honestly,” he added. “From last year catching the game-winning touchdown to now, it’s just crazy how much the football team has taken me in as a family member and as a brother. It’s just such a family over here that it’s fun to play football every time you step out there.”

Carrington said the players and coaches embraced him and he is grateful for the mentorship of both Whittingham and receiver coach Guy Holliday, who created an atmosphere for him to succeed on the field, but more importantly as a person.

“Just from the defense and the offense it’s just like straight brotherhood,” Carrington told media. “We’re always hanging around, joking around and everybody talks to each other around here. You get that from the coaches, too. They play around with you, joke around and they’re not only your coach, they’re also like your friend, so it’s good to just have a cool family environment. With just having that, it just makes you want to go out there and play harder.”

On Monday, Whittingham said the athletics department has given Carrington a program — a support system — where he can meet with people to help keep him “on the straight and narrow.” Although Whittingham does not condone Carrington’s past offenses, he said he believes in second chances and giving him an opportunity — an opportunity where Carrington has been “perfect so far.”

And in his limited playing time at Utah, it’s been a win-win for the Utes and Carrington.

“It feels great, actually,” Carrington said. “I’m just happy to be here and thankful for another chance.”

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