Jackson Carman back injury keeps him from Pro Day activities

CLEMSON — Jackson Carman didn’t participate in any on-field testing at Clemson’s Pro Day on Thursday.

The former left tackle on the Tigers’ offensive line was present at Poe Indoor Facility, allowing NFL representatives to get his measurables. But Carman — who declared for the draft after his junior season — opted not to run the 40-yard dash or three-cone drill.

He plans to stage his own Pro Day at Clemson on April 15.

“The reason I didn’t work out today is because I’m just dealing with a lot of different things coming off the end of the season,” he said in a media session on Thursday. “For me, I feel better prepared and excited to have my own Pro Day in April. Looking forward to that and being able to perform.

“As for as this past season, I felt like I had a great season, especially considering everything we went through as a team. Really just being able to grow through the adversity. My play, I felt like, was a bright spot for me.”

Speaking on a Zoom call after Clemson’s Pro Day, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said Carman was out due to a back injury.

“He has had a back injury and he had to get that fixed after the season,”Jeremiah said. “So today he did not do anything, but just kind of measured and weighed in. I did see he was 317 pounds, which is significantly lighter than what he played at last year at Clemson.”

Jackson Carman is ready to move to guard if needed in the NFL. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Carman also measured in at 6-foot-4 with an 87-inch wingspan. He said he’s met with a handful of NFL teams and has more meetings scheduled. Teams have discussed possibly moving him over to the guard position at the next level.

“Definitely something I’m prepared for, ready for,” he said. “When I get to a team, I’m a team player, so if that’s something that needs to be done for the betterment of the team, I’m going to do it. And so for me, I’m excited for the opportunity wherever I’m able to play in the NFL. I feel like I have the traits to transition to whatever position they need me in.”

Carman was a reserve his freshman year when Clemson won a national title before starting the last two years.

Lately, he’s been watching film of Trent Williams and Joe Staley — two offensive tackles who are naturally athletic and balanced. He believes he posses both two traits and is working to bring pieces of their game over to his.

“I feel like just the level of competition Clemson plays at every year and the amount of games, the in-game experience we have as a program just pours in to my knowledge and the different things I’m able to do on the football field,” Carman said. “I feel like the transition to the NFL, that’s definitely something that could separate me from others. And I feel like it’s something I’m glad I had the opportunity to do at Clemson.”