Reid Carrico flashing ability, sheds black stripe for Buckeyes
COLUMBUS — Ohio State freshman linebacker Reid Carrico has had plenty of opportunities this spring.
With a dangerously thin linebacker room after injuries and attrition, the early-enrollee freshman has earned some valuable reps to grow early in his career.
And he’s making the most of those chances this spring. The former top-100 prospect from Ironton is officially a member of the football program now, shedding his black stripe on Tuesday morning after practice.
As the Buckeyes continue to work through spring practice, they’re attempting to replace four starting linebackers from a season ago, when they had one of the deepest and most talented units in the country. With the loss of four playmakers, they were already thin entering spring. Now Dallas Gant and Mitchell Melton are both out for the spring, opening the door for Carrico to earn reps and gain experience.
The challenge this spring has been viewed as a positive in the linebacker room.
Reid Carrico was a highly-rated prospect out of Ironton. (Birm/Lettermen Row)
“It is a great challenge in a lot of ways,†Buckeyes linebackers coach Al Washington said earlier this spring. “But in the same breath, this is the evolution of football — especially in college. This is why they come to Ohio State. This is what it’s about. The next guy is up. Take advantage of your opportunity. Believe in yourself. Compete. Every day identify the things you need to improve on. That’s been our message: Hey, we’ve got to be fully conscious every day, and we’ve got to be really hard on ourselves. We have to be focused on how we can improve, and over time we’ll get better.”
Reid Carrico is certainly making the most of his opportunity to improve and get better every day. He even hauled in an interception during the open viewing period of practice Monday, showcasing his versatility.
The Ohio State coaching staff has taken notice. Carrico is the latest freshman to lose his black stripe and become an official member of the program as the spring winds down.
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