Carlton Lorenz

Offensive Lineman / Portland State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Carlton Lorenz:  6’4, 295.

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Carlton Lorenz:  I was working out at home at first.  Then I was working out at my buddy’s house.  I worked out in his garage.  Once everything started to open, I trained at a couple of facilities.  I am heading up to Portland in about a month.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Carlton Lorenz:  Up until high school, I played basketball and baseball.  In high school, I focused only on football.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Carlton Lorenz:  I played on the DL as a freshman and OL and TE the last three years. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Carlton Lorenz:  It was a unique situation.  I didn’t start until my senior year at Bishop Alemany High School.  I played six games as a blocking TE my senior year.  I put together a highlight tape.  I got a scholarship from a NAIA school.  I went to Robert Morris in Chicago.  I went there the first year of college.  I came in at 6’3, 240 pounds.  I redshirted that year, but I hit my stride.  I got bigger.  My body transformed, and I matured.  I became a much better football player.  I was set on transferring.  I wanted to go to JUCO for one year.  I told my parents about it.  I went back to CA and picked College of the Canyons. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at a junior college? 

Carlton Lorenz:  A coach from my high school was at College of the Canyons.  I went in, not knowing what to expect.  I didn’t ask questions.  I followed the weight program.  They got me stronger.  I played RT that season.  I had a really good season individually and as a team.  I got an offer in week two or three.  I spent eight months there.  I had 14 total offers.  I went on a visit to Vanderbilt, UAB, North Texas, FAU, New Mexico, and Kent State. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Vanderbilt? 

Carlton Lorenz:  Just being able to play in the SEC conference and get an education from Vanderbilt.  It was the best of both worlds.  I went for a visit, and it checked every box that I wanted in a school.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career with the Commodores?           

Carlton Lorenz:  It was great.  I was competing against the best in the SEC on the field.  Monday through Friday, I was competing against the best in the classroom.  Those two years were awesome.  I had a good time at Vanderbilt.  I played OG.  I got a lot better.  

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to leave Vanderbilt and transfer to Portland State for your final season? 

Carlton Lorenz:  I got my bachelor’s degree.  I wanted to play football.  I was a backup at Vanderbilt.  We had coaching changes.  There were lots of moving pieces.  I wanted to get my master’s degree and transfer where I can contribute.  Portland State recruited me late when I was at JUCO.  They showed genuine interest back then.  They reached out to me when I went in the transfer portal.  I wanted to go to the West Coast.  I visited them and I knew that this was the place for me.  We have had zoom calls with the coaches and my teammates up to now.  School starts in late September.  I plan to go there around that date.    

Alex Khvatov:  Now that the fall football season has been canceled in the Big Sky.  What are your plans moving forward? 

Carlton Lorenz:  There is a possibility of the spring season or just next fall season.  I plan to play at Portland State when that time comes.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Carlton Lorenz:  I am athletic.  I have good mobility and I move well in space.  I am a high motor guy.  I like to finish and play until the end of the whistle.       

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Carlton Lorenz:  I have continued to make strides on being more athletic and being more explosive.  I have gotten better during this long offseason.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Carlton Lorenz:  My whole journey.  Going from NAIA, to JUCO and to the SEC.  Getting that level of education.  I hope to make more memories at Portland State. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Carlton Lorenz:  Paying attention to the little details.  You need to take care of the little things.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Carlton Lorenz:  I am a Saints fan.  The first NFL game that I attended was in New Orleans.  I saw the whole city shutdown.  The Superdome was shaking during the entire game.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Carlton Lorenz:  LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees.  I watch a lot of O-linemen.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on Vanderbilt should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Carlton Lorenz:  DE Dayo Odeyingbo is really good.  He is big and long.  He is 6’6 and close to 300 pounds.  He is a crazy freak.  He is a super good athlete.  Tyler Steen was a redshirt freshman last year.  He started every game at RT in the SEC.  He is a freak athlete and he is strong.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Carlton Lorenz:  In high school, it was DL Rasheem Green.  He went to USC.  He was a five-star recruit.  He has been with the Seahawks.  In high school, he was a man amongst boys.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Carlton Lorenz:  You have to be tough and selfless.  You need to be willing to work. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Carlton Lorenz:  Just the team.  You have 100 players that are working towards the same goal. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Carlton Lorenz:  The route that I have taken in my football journey.  I am the first person in my family that played football in college.  Bouncing around and making it work.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Carlton Lorenz:  I hang out with my friends and family.  I listen to music.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Carlton Lorenz:  I earned a degree in sociology.  I will get my master’s in communications.  I want to get into sports.  I want to be a sports agent. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Carlton Lorenz:  Determined, loving, funny, creative, and kind.