Marion head track coach Terry Johnson heaps praise on his senior sprinter, Julian Carter, II more and more by the moment. Hard-working. Dedicated. Intelligent. All excellent qualities, to be sure. But his final statement is sure to catch anyone's attention. “I don't care how you're looking at it, he's the fastest kid in the state,” said Johnson. The University of Arkansas clearly agrees. That's why Carter signed a track scholarship last Friday afternoon with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in a signing ceremony with teammates, coaches, family, and friends. “I'm so excited right now,” said Carter. “I was kind of nervous leading up to this event, but it's just excitement now. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, and I have to thank God, my parents, my coaches, just everybody who's been with me through the years.” “He's a special kid and a super special athlete,” said Johnson. “He's a once-in-a-lifetime talent, who also knows he has to work hard and commits to his craft. I can't say enough good things about him.” The fastest kid in the state of Arkansas will be joining the most decorated track program in the country. The University of Arkansas has earned more than 50 track national titles, by far the most in the nation. “I've always wanted to go to Arkansas, ever since I was a young kid,” said Carter. “It's really my dream school. It's a dream come true.” Carter owns plenty of history of his own around Marion High School. The two-time all-state and all-conference performer owns school records for the 400- and 800-meter dash, and his best 2023 400-meter dash time was the fastest recorded in the state all season long. He's won indoor and outdoor state titles, and several national championships while running on the AAU circuit. The senior estimates he started running when he was eight years old and “by the time I was 10, I'd won my first national championship,” said Carter. “I've probably won seven or eight national meets, and placed at more than I could count right now.” Last spring, Carter teamed with teammates Chris Hardin, Jameon Williams, and Arviance Leflore to win the 4x400-meter relay at the Class 5A track meet at Lake Hamilton. Earlier in 2023, Carter won the Class 5A indoor state championship in the 800-meter dash, in addition to his state-low time in the 400-meter dash. He earned the silver medal in the 400-meter dash and took the bronze in the 800 meters. After his record-setting junior season, Carter was one of just 10 track athletes selected to the All-Arkansas track team. “He's got quite the distinguished resume,” said Johnson. “I can't tell you how many races he's won for us here, and that's not even counting the traveling circuit where I know he's won more than a handful. He's something else, man.” Carter has performed well in meets in Fayetteville throughout his career, and he insists that he never felt any added pressure when he ran there. “Early on, they hadn't reached out, so it was just another meet for me,” said Carter. “Winning there is incredible because I love the facilities and the atmosphere is always really cool.”