NFL scouts and coaches gathered at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to watch former Buckeyes work out one last time before the upcoming NFL Draft. Some players were looking to improve on times they posted at the NFL Combine Feb. 22-28. Others passed up the drills in Indianapolis for a chance to show...[details]
2004: Started all 12 games in his first season a regular at outside linebacker, and his 93 tackles easily bettered his career-high of 37 set as a sophomore. Led the team in tackles three times, with a high of 13 against both Marshall and Michigan State. Athletically gifted and solid in coverage, Carpenter picked off three passes last year.
2003: Finished the season with 37 stops and had at least one tackle in every game except Indiana. Had an eye-popping 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, as well as forcing a pair of fumbles.
2002: Made 12 tackles as a rookie and played in all 14 games of Ohio State's national championship campaign. Started his career with a bang, making the tackle on the opening kickoff of the season's first game against Texas Tech.
High School: One of the most sought-after prospects in the midwest after winning first-team All-Ohio honors at Lancaster HS. Made 128 stops, including 12 for loss, as a senior. Also made the district swim meet in both the 50- and 100-meter freestyle. Played football for his father, Rob.
Personal: Son of Rob and Susie Carpenter. Born 8-1-83. Has three younger brothers, including Jonathan, a sophomore football player at the University of Cincinnati. Has a diverse array of interests, including bowling (career-high 240), chess and billiards, and he also took piano lessons for six years. Favorite pro athlete is Lawrence Taylor. Said if he wasn't on the OSU football team that he'd be playing basketball for the Buckeyes.
Pros: The type of impact player that an offense must account for on every play, and he still produced as a senior even after seeing a number of double-teams and chip blocks. He can play immediately and provide big-play ability as an edge rusher. A big-effort player who runs to the ball well with outstanding speed and acceleration to close in pursuit. He is capable of playing while moving forward and attacking the line of scrimmage or dropping in coverage. Cons: Will slip down to the late first or early second round in a deep linebacker class due to his broken ankle in the season finale. He is able to slip and avoid blocks well, using an array of moves, including the swim, rip and club maneuvers, but he is still just touching the surface of his pass-rushing talent. A reliable wrap-up-and-secure tackler, though not one who is noted for being a really jarring tackler. Numbers: At the Combine, he weighed in at 256 pounds at just under 6-3. He did not work out due to an ankle injury. He ran the 40 in 4.66 and 4.68 and had a 34.5-inch vertical jump, a broad jump of 10-feet, 4-inches, and 20 strength reps at Ohio State's pro day. As a senior, he made 49 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, two passes defended and eight sacks.
This is special to Rivals.com from Frank Coyle. Coyle has written about the NFL Draft in his newsletter for more than...[Complete Bio]
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