It was just a formality, but now there is finality. Carson Hinzman is officially a member of the Ohio State football program. He is a four-star offensive lineman that leaves the state of Wisconsin to help the Buckeyes and get them fixed up front against tougher teams.
New offensive line coach Justin Frye is focused on getting his unit tougher up front after an embarrassing effort from that unit against TTUN. Hinzman is someone who will help improve that culture and mindset from day one. Hinzman is a big, tough dude.
Hinzman stands at 6’4 and 280 pounds. He still has room to add some strength too. That strength will help him be even better as a guard or center, which is where he projects. He already has good hands and some good footwork based on what I’ve seen on film.
As an interior lineman, strength might be the most important thing. When you run the ball up the middle, you need to be able to push defensive tackles back on their heels and get to the second level. Once Hinzman gets on a college strength and conditioning program, he’ll be able to do just that.
Hinzman is actually my favorite offensive line recruit in this class. I think he can be a really good player and has the potential to develop into a first-round pick. He’ll probably have a chance to fight for a starting job in 2023 as a sophomore, although he might redshirt in 2022.
No matter what, the Ohio State football team’s offensive line got better today with the addition of Hinzman. I’m extremely intrigued with how Frye is going to develop him as a talent. These are the types of prospects that Frye wants to be coaching. He’s now in a whole new world from UCLA.