Quarterback Chris Carr is wearing a colored shirt, but it’s not the one usually associated with college athletics.

The 2003 high school graduate grayshirted last season, meaning he will be a true freshman for the 2004 season instead of a redshirt freshman or sophomore like his fellow classmates. In layman’s terms, Carr sat out last season to be better prepared for 2004 and not use a year of eligibility.

He is the only player from the 2003 recruiting class to grayshirt.

“I figured this would be a good way to mature and grow as far as an athlete,” the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Carr said. “Physically, too, I wanted to get a little stronger and gain some weight.”

Carr paid his own way for the fall semester because, as a result of his grayshirt, his scholarship didn’t start until this spring. He took 11 hours in the fall and is a full-time student this semester with 12 hours.

While the 2003 Huskies were completing one of the best seasons in NIU history, Carr was forced to watch from afar. He put the free time to good use.

“I was just working out on my own at the Rec and getting tips from the coaches a little bit,” Carr said. “I just did my thing, and I got stronger and gained some football strength.”

Carr has put that football strength to good use this spring, completing 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards in two intra-squad scrimmages. Offensive coordinator John Bond said he has been impressed with the way Carr eludes defenders when the pressure is on.

“He’s very athletic, and he moves the team when he’s in there,” Bond said. “He can make things happen when things break down.”

Does Carr agree with Bond’s assessment?

“Yes and no,” Carr said. “I like to stay in the pocket and throw the ball. I don’t like to be rushed out of the pocket too much.”

Carr comes to DeKalb from Coral Springs, Fla., but he’s familiar with the area. He lived here until he was nine, when his stepfather’s dad got a job transfer to Florida. His parents were supportive of his decision.

“They thought it was a good plan to get ready and mature a little bit as an athlete,” Carr said.

Senior-to-be Josh Haldi is firmly entrenched as the Huskies’ starting quarterback – he set four NIU single-season passing records last year – but the competition for the backup and third-string jobs are wide open. Bond said Carr’s name could be on NIU’s three-deep roster next fall.

“I think it depends greatly on his fall camp,” Bond said. “If he can carry this thing over, I can see him making our three-deep, definitely. I’m not saying that is going to happen, but he does have a very good chance.”

Those chances depend not only on Carr’s physical abilities but his mental capacities as well. He said he realizes his head can be just as important as his arm or his legs.

“Athleticism will only get you so far as a quarterback,” Carr said. “You really have to be strong up top to know what you’re doing.”