5-star OT Jackson Carman signs with Clemson over Ohio State in Early Signing Period

Ohio State started off the morning on the receiving end of 20 signed National Letters of Intent, but there was one guy they missed out on. In-state prospect, five-star offensive tackle Jackson Carman announced his decision to attend Clemson over Ohio State.

The 6’6, 330-pound OT out of Fairfield, Ohio is the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 1 player at his position in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s also ranked as the ninth best player in the country at any position.

This is huge blow to the Buckeyes, especially from an in-state guy. Although, early quotes from the prospect made it seem like he didn’t like being called a “lock” to suit up in Scarlet and Gray. (You don’t know me.)

It’s no wonder the highly-coveted prospect held offers from 41 programs throughout the FBS, but the tackle only took five official visits. Among the top possible landing spots for Carman, were Ohio State, Clemson and South Carolina.

Despite missing out on one of the best incoming 2018 players, the Buckeyes still landed 6’6, 289-pound OT Max Wray out of Middle Tennessee.

Scouting Report

It’s not surprising that the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle is one of few high school players to already possess D1 size. Carman utilized every bit of his 6’6, 330-pound frame in both the run and pass game — and he also has a mean streak. It seemed hard for most defensive ends to even get around Carman in time to get to the quarterback, let alone defeat his block and get pressure.

Carman had a fantastic tendency of finishing the play on top of his man, but it’s his ridiculous athleticism for a man his size that should routinely produce impact blocks via pulls and traps in QB-run schemes.

-Ian Hartitz

Highlights