Basketball came first, but Hillcrest’s Maximilian Carmicle strapped on football equipment for the first time at the start of his sophomore year. He made his debut in the sport on the lower levels.
Now entering his senior season, the 6-foot-7, 255-pound edge rusher is a Purdue football recruit who has burst through a banner of expectations, creating his own narrative as a budding star.
It hasn’t been easy, but nothing great ever is.
“I liked the intensity of football right away,” Carmicle said. “It’s play to play, snap to snap, and really football’s got way more teamwork than other sports because one man can’t do 11 jobs.
“I have a great motor and I always pursue the ball.”
Two years ago, Carmicle began his career for the Hawks at defensive end, soaking up the game. The learning curve was understandably steep, according to senior safety Jaydan Simmons.
“He had about the ugliest stance I’ve ever seen from the defensive end position,” Simmons said. “Max always wanted to make the play and he worked very hard to improve and get better.
“He always makes sure that he’s at his best 100% of the time.”
Carmicle made up for the lost time last year, helping the Hawks (5-5) reach the Class 5A playoffs.
More Top Picks Best E Readers For Dyslexia
Hillcrest coach Kyran Weaver plans to optimize the size and athleticism of Carmicle by also playing him at tight end Friday against Benet in the team’s nonconference season opener.
“His length, motor and desire to get to the football make him an elite athlete,” Weaver said. “This offseason, I saw Max become a true student of the game and outwork the competition in the weight room.
“The really scary part about all of this is that Max is still learning the game.”
An intuitive thinker, Carmicle thinks coming to both football and basketball at a relatively late age has given him an advantage. It fuels his motivation, unlocking a prodigious potential.
“I’ll be the first in my family to play college ball,” he said. “I think my competitiveness comes from starting late. I didn’t play basketball until late in eighth grade and football until sophomore year. I knew I had to catch up to kids who’d been playing since they were 5, so I had to outwork them.
“With football, I wouldn’t say I was a phenomenon. It was just like basketball — I had to work and grind from the beginning. Nothing came easy.”
The two sports play off each other. The start and stops of working the post in basketball, using his body, taking advantage of his reach and size, has a direct corollary in rushing the passer.
“Sacking the quarterback is the best feeling,” Carmicle said. “But it’s also great knowing you pressured him and one of your teammates got an interception. Or you force a three-and-out.
“Just knowing you contributed is satisfying. I’ve learned more as I’ve gone along. I’m still going to use my athleticism to my advantage, but now that I know technique, it’s the best of both worlds.”
Faith is his hallmark, built from his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother having worked at the same church. His personality mirrors the way he plays the game and how he conducts his life.
“I’ve grown more confident, but I’m still humble,” Carmicle said. “I’m quieter in public, but on the field and court, I’m outgoing. I try to be understanding of people. I believe I don’t need to talk all the time. Sometimes, it’s more important to listen.”
Unlike some high school athletes, Carmicle listed to his heart in committing to the Boilermakers.
“I had a bunch of other college offers, but Purdue just felt genuine,” he said. “I’m not a big fan of what NIL has done. I think it can take away the realness and the love for football.
More Top Picks Best Black Friday And Cyber Monday Home Appliances Deals
“At Purdue, I felt like I’d get a real chance to earn my spot and prove myself.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.