Ohio State gets four-star inside linebacker Reid Carrico in the Early Signing Period.
Carrico played for Ironton High School in Ironton, Ohio. He is the 84th-ranked recruit in the country, the fifth-ranked inside linebacker in the country, and the fourth-ranked player from Ohio by 247Sports Composite rankings.
Carrico is the fourth player from Ohio’s top-four to sign with Ohio State, after Jack Sawyer, Mike Hall, and Jayden Ballard.
Ohio State landed Carrico over Alabama, Florida, Clemson, Cincinnati, and Michigan. The Buckeyes keep Carrico in state, despite getting offers from 30 different colleges.
Carrico is 6’3″ and 225 pounds, which is a good size for an inside linebacker recruit.
A versatile athlete, Carrico also joined the track and field team, as well as the basketball team. Carrico also played running back, rushing for 6.2 yards per carry, scoring two touchdowns, and catching two touchdowns.
Carrico’s athleticism pairs with his size and makes him a dangerous defender. He gets off the ball quickly and rushes to the football with ease. In coverage, his height gives him an extra advantage. Anything that a middle linebacker should do, Carrico can do.
He might need time to adjust to playing at the college level before he can be the quarterback of the defense. But once he does, he can be a valuable member of the Silver Bullets.
In 2019, Carrico had 168 tackles, three sacks, and an interception.
Carrico will fill a hole that will be vacated by the NFL in the next few years. Pete Werner and Tuf Borland will enter the draft, and Baron Browning will follow next year. Most of the linebackers on Ohio State’s roster right now are upperclassmen. Carrico will be a key depth piece in his first year, but might have a chance to start in his second season.
