Reid Carrico, a four star linebacker from Ironton, Ohio committed to Ohio State on September 10th. The 6’3 225 pound Carrico attends Ironton High School and previously camped at Ohio State in June. Carrico was offered a scholarship to Ohio State in April and the Buckeyes considered him their top in-state target at the linebacker position for the class of 2021. Landing Carrico is yet another early coup for the Buckeyes 2021 recruiting class which already features five star defensive end Jack Sawyer and four star offensive lineman Ben Christman. Carrico committed to the Buckeyes just two days after his first game day experience at Ohio State. The Buckeyes shut out in-state opponent Cincinnati that day 49-0 and it’s not hard to imagine Carrico being part of that type of defensive performance in the future.
Reid Carrico Top Inside Linebacker
Reid Carrico is viewed as the top inside linebacker prospect in the nation according to 247 sports while Rivals lists him as the 11th best outside linebacker in the nation. Reid has also played some on the offensive side of the ball for his high school further showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Given that Reid is already 6’3 and 225 lbs who won’t arrive in Columbus for another two years, I tend to believe inside linebacker is his more likely position at the college level. Carrico’s combination of size, speed, and football intelligence should allow him to make an early impact Buckeyes on special teams and perhaps in the 2 deep at inside linebacker for co-defensive coordinators Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley.
Reid Carrico To Ohio State
Reid has called playing for Ohio State “a dream” and has stated his belief that the best players in Ohio are supposed to go to Ohio State. Carrico was recruited by linebackers coach Al Washington and the connection he made with his future position coach certainly played a role in his decision to commit as well. While Ohio State offered the Ironton product in April, other national programs soon followed including Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma. Carrico would take an unofficial visit to another school that offered, the Tennessee Volunteers, at the end of July. The biggest competition for Ohio State for Carrico ended up being Clemson and Kentucky, the latter of which offered a particularly attractive route to early playing time while still being close to home, In the end the lure of the in-state Buckeyes was too much for Reid to turn down and he decided to make his commitment official just days after his visit for the Cincinnati game.
Ohio State Linebacker Depth
Ohio State’s current depth chart at middle linebacker features starter Senior Tuf Borland being backed up by Junior Baron Browning. Both Borland and Browning will have graduated by the time Reid Carrico reaches campus so the path to early playing time in the middle could be there if he continues to progress as a player. The Buckeyes currently have 5 commitments for the 2021 class and our ranked number one in the Big Ten and number three nationally by 247 sports. Perhaps as important for head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have already received commitments from the number 1, number 2, number 3, and number 5 ranked players in the state of Ohio for the 2021 class. Coach Day is closing the borders and the result is the best players in Ohio are heading to Ohio State.