FAIRFIELD, Ohio – One of the nation’s top high school football players told WCPO Thursday he has narrowed his college choices to five schools.
Fairfield senior left tackle Jack Carman, a five-star recruit, is considering Clemson, Ohio State, University of Southern California, Florida State and Wisconsin. That list is in no particular order. He will make his college decision in December.
Carman is rated the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2018 class by 247 Sports. He’s the No. 8 player overall in the 247Sports Composite Ratings and No. 1 in Ohio. He’s had over 40 scholarship offers. Carman plans to formally announce his top five schools by the end of the summer.
Carman has not visited Tallahassee or Madison yet but is in the process of scheduling his official visits to all five schools on his list. He said this morning he expects to visit USC in December.
Carman told WCPO he’s been patient with the recruiting process and doesn’t want to regret his decision.
Carman, who is 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, participated in the Nike Opening this summer, is committed to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl for January 2018.
Carman continues to get stronger in the weight room this offseason. He told WCPO.com his maximum bench press is 350 pounds.
Fairfield (7-4 in 2016), which has two straight postseason appearances, opens the season Aug. 25 against visiting Centerville (5-5) at 7 p.m. at Fairfield Stadium as part of the 20th annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.
“I’m looking forward to chasing a state championship,” Carman said. “We have a really good team this year. We have a lot of speed. Me and Malik (Vann) both being seniors – I feel like this is the most upbeat, hard-working and up-tempo team we’ve had since we’ve been here.”
Carman is one of several key starters returning for the Indians. Fairfield senior defensive end Malik Vann, who is verbally committed to UC, will also be an impact player for the Indians' defense.
"Malik is still underrated," Fairfield coach Jason Krause said. "He's the best defensive player in Ohio in my opinion. He's a game changer. People will find out."
Carman is also rated the nation’s No. 13 player overall in the 2018 class by Rivals.com. He won the Anthony Muñoz Foundation Division I area Offensive Linemen of the Year Award in January.
Carman will have the opportunity to sign his National Letter of Intent in December.
The NCAA Collegiate Commissioners Association approved a 72-hour football early signing period starting Dec. 20. That is in addition to the traditional February signing date.
Carman previously announced a top 10 list on Christmas 2016. That has remained his pinned tweet.
