After a drama-free recruitment, five-star offensive tackle Jackson Carman of Fairfield, Ohio created some of the biggest surprise news on the inaugural early National Signing Day when he announced his commitment to the Clemson Tigers.
"As of today, I will be a Clemson Tiger," Carman announced at a press conference at his school. " When I finally came to the realization Clemson was the place for me, it was almost like a weight lifted off my shoulders."
After reeling in offers from around the country, Carman pared his list to a top three of Clemson, Ohio State and USC before his senior season and stuck with that group to the finish line. With plans to enroll in college next month, Carman took advantage of the early signing period and signed his letter of intent on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Fairfield head coach Jason Krause said Carman was such a heavily-targeted and highly-regarded prospect because he brings an elite skill set to the tackle position.
“The first thing, obviously, is his athleticism. For a guy that big, his ability to move his feet and his hands is tremendous. He’s explosive,” Krause said. “He just understands how to create energy and power with his hips and, then, he is a very smart football player. I consider him a student of the game. A lot of times, he’s like having a coach on the field.
Carman was ranked as high as No. 2 in the country early in the class of 2018 rankings. One of the concerns that mitigated his early momentum, though, was his weight. He measured 350 pounds at times over the past year, but Krause expects it to be adequately addressed when Carman arrives at school next month.
“It was a concern for us all season long, but he played his way into better shape each week,” Krause said. “I honestly think when he gets to (college) that with the dieticians they have there and the strength coordinators, he’s going to get to the weight they want him at. He knows that’s something he has to address and deal with, and he’s excited for the opportunity.”
Before heading off to Clemson next month, Carman is slated to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas on Jan. 6.
