Lions Playoffs Travel Journal: KETR's Jasmine Baker is following the Lions on their journey through the 2017 NCAA Division II Football Championship. Baker is following the experience of senior offensive lineman Jared Machorro and freshman running back Carandal Hale.
It’s shortly before 4 p.m. when I exit the hotel elevator and welcomed immediately by his signature man bun and warm smile. Jared Machorro, a general studies senior, smirks and inquires about the nature of our interview. I assure him I’ll give him the “Oprah treatment,” he nods and smiles placing himself next to a warm fireplace in the team’s Winona, Minnesota hotel.
You’ll notice the Lions’ offensive tackle’s burly figure from anywhere on the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus. The Paul Bunyan-like figure is a towering 6’7”, 280 lb., a gentle giant and the focal point of the Lions impenetrable offensive line. His smile and witty sense of humor have made him one of the more popular student-athletes on campus.
The Oakhurst High School product wasn’t highly recruited coming out of Coldspring, Texas, population 907. “It was great, everyone knew who you were and the town shut down on game days,” said Machorro. A tightly knit community where everyone knows him is one of the same reasons he’s flourished on the A&M-Commerce football team.
In 2016, he had a breakout season being named to four All-American teams, two All-Super region teams and first team all-conference. Machorro was essential in helping block for the No. 1 scoring and passing offense in the conference. Not to mention his offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the conference that season. 2017 is no different. After being voted team captain, he was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year and first team all-LSC. Then there’s little known fact: He ranks 11th in the LSC in average punt yardage at 35.5 yards per punt.
“Listening to my coaches and their guidance has been a huge factor in my success,” said Machorro. “Trusting everyone around me, I’ve learned from other O-linemen. They make me look great, it’s a group effort and I’m not the only one who stands out.”
As if Machorro wasn’t busy enough, he’s also a two-sport athlete throwing shot put, hammer throw and discus on the track team. “It’s not hard to do both but I always have two coaches on my tail when I get in trouble,” said Machorro. He’s on the football Leadership Council and recently traveled to the coast assisting with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Off the field you can catch him fishing, golfing and spending time with his family. He considers his oldest brother his inspiration. “He played in college too, so any time I’m down he’s always there to pick me up and set me straight,” said Machorro.
After graduation he plans to start training for the NFL Pro Day and anticipates invites to play in a few bowl games. He’s also considered the Marines.
Shortly after our interview was underway, redshirt freshman Carandal Hale quietly sits next to his teammate and pulls out his phone waiting his turn. The running back is known as one of the more reserved players on his team.
Hale gets taste of NCAA success as one of the younger Lions
The business accounting major is the Lions top running back, earning all-LSC honorable mention after rushing for 533 yards and 3 touchdowns during the regular season. It’s impressive when you consider he only played football to be around his friends.
He was a three-sport athlete at Greenville High School, lettering in track and field and powerlifting. In his 2015 season, Hale was named Dave Campbell's Texas Football Mr. Texas Football, Built Ford Tough Player of the Week (Week 2) and was also featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd.
When deciding where to play college football, Hale had several to choose from but chose to stay closer to home. “I’m grateful to play close to home that stood out to me on my recruiting visit,” said Hale. “Coming from a struggling program at Greenville (high school) to this has been exciting.”
The freshman is noticeably in thought as he describes the adversity he’s faced his first season at A&M-Commerce. “The coaches staying on me about getting a run game going, constantly on me considering I’m filling a big gap since Richard Cooper graduated,” Hale said.
The introverted running back describes his hardest adjustment since playing college football. “Mental honestly, me just fighting with my mind,” said Hale. “Me, thinking I’m the young guy, underestimating myself. It’s just a mental struggle at times.”
Going into his first playoff game he said the tone has been set. “We have to go in tough and deal with the cooler weather, but definitely toughness.”