The term “helmet scouting” is often used in a negative connotation. It’s considered lazy analysis when players from the same alma mater are compared to each other. It’s something that you may even find Devy analysts guilty of. But should it carry that negative connotation?
Oftentimes, players from the same school were recruited by the same coach, or someone from that coaching tree. So it’s not all that uncommon for players to share a lot of the same skills, traits, and even potential upside as past players from that same program.
It’s not a bad idea to use that knowledge to hedge our bets when it comes to selecting Devy assets. After all, the odds are already against us when it comes to predicting these kids futures, especially this far out. Why not let the past successes of these programs, recruiters, and coaches guide us, and use this knowledge to our advantage. When it comes to recruiting and developing a specific position group for NFL success, nobody in the country is doing it quite like Brian Hartline and Ohio State.
Since 2000, Ohio State has received commitments from 25 top-100 wide receivers, including eight five-stars.
Since Brian Hartline became the wide receivers coach in 2018, the Buckeyes have received commitments from 17 top-100 wide receivers, including seven five-stars.
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) April 5, 2023
Current Buckeye, and All-World wide receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr is widely regarded as the top pass catcher in college football. He’s a virtual lock for a top 10 selection in the 2024 NFL draft. So who is next man up once Marvin leaves Columbus?
Carnell Tate
6’2 191 lbs
Freshman
Wide Receiver-Ohio State
Carnell Tate is a 5⭐️ recruit and No. 3 wide receiver in the 2023 freshman class. Coming out of one of the best high-school programs in the country, IMG Academy, Tate is a versatile receiver with excellent body control and top notch ball skills. He was the talk of Ohio States spring practice sessions and garnered the attention of coaches, teammates, and the Buckeyes faithful almost immediately after stepping foot on campus.
No Ohio State freshman has ever shed his black stripe earlier in a spring than Carnell Tate, who's earning rave reviews from Brian Hartline. https://t.co/xA961qkled pic.twitter.com/47Bu4IYioP
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 1, 2023
Sharing the field with two of the best receivers in college football, Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka, not a lot has been expected of Tate early on in his career. Nevertheless, he has been impressive in limited opportunities. Tate is drawing positive reviews from coaches and teammates.
Carnell Tate 📈https://t.co/oY1GenrLoJ pic.twitter.com/sOwJ2l1KCE
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 19, 2023
Tate has fared very well when we take a deeper look into his numbers. He has 8 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. He’s received a favorable 75.7 offensive grade and 75.9 receiving grade from PFF. He’s shown his versatility by lining up in the slot (25.5%) and out wide (74.5%) as well as with his 7.1 YAC/REC, 15.6 yard ADOT and 3.52 YRR.
The sample size is small and doesn’t offer any guarantees. But the recruiting pedigree, talent, situation, opportunity, and recent program history does provide one of the best profiles for future success you’re going to find in Devy. Carnell Tate has all the makings of the next great Ohio State wide receiver.
5-star wide receiver Carnell Tate | 2021 Highlights https://t.co/xphQc3aDzf via @YouTube
— Jeremy romero (@Jeremyr58856145) February 25, 2022
Helmet scouting or not, count me in!
