Buckeyes host talented in-state sophomore

To be a two-year varsity letter winner at Cincinnati powerhouse Archbishop Moeller as a sophomore is quite an accomplishment. 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman Zach Carpenter is just that. Carpenter, who plays left tackle for the Crusaders but could project up and down the line in college, was one of a handful of very talented class of 2019 Ohio prospects invited to Ohio State's big Junior Day on Saturday.

Carpenter and his family walked away impressed on Saturday after spending time with head coach Urban Meyer, the assistant coaches and strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti.

"Zach had an amazing time during our visit," said Carrie Carpenter, the prospect's mother. "He is impressed by Urban Meyer and his staff and the philosophy of the program. He was duly impressed with the strength program and loved the expectation of excellence."

Academics are also an important component of the recruiting process to the Carpenter family and they were satisfied with that portion of the visit as well.

"Zach is in the honors program at Moeller and is equally interested in the academic success that was demonstrated (Saturday)," she added.

Carpenter holds an early offer from Louisville and is also generating interest from Power Five programs from across the nation. Two more visits are on deck.

"We're going to Michigan State on February 11th and Louisville on the 18th," she continued. "Northwestern invited him to a spring practice (date to be determined). Clemson, Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati have been in the school to visit so far."

Carpenter was named a first-team All-Greater Catholic League selection this past fall.