New and improved Carter ready to take off

Ohio's class of 2019 is loaded along the defensive line and one of the best is Pickerington Central defensive tackle DeWayne Carter Jr. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound prospect was a key member of Central's defense as a sophomore and is looking to take on an even bigger role this fall. Carter and his teammates took the field for a quad-scrimmage on Tuesday morning.

"The whole team, we've been waiting to hit other people," said Carter. "We were excited and anxious. I think we had a pretty good showing in the second half, the first half we came out a little slow. We picked it up though."

Carter looked noticeably quicker and faster on Tuesday, something he credits to a tough off-season regimen.

"My main focus this off-season was my core and my lower body," he explained. "My upper body is kind of natural for me. My trainer designed some exercises for me that were all core and lower body so I had a good summer."

The results haven't just been noticeable to the naked eye, there is tangible evidence that Carter is more athletic than he was a year ago.

"I was at a 5.2 in the 40, but I actually ran a 4.9 at Ohio State," Carter said. "I've improved a lot."

Carter is also an accomplished baseball player, where he is considered a Division I level prospect. Because of that, football visits were limited this summer. He camped at Ohio State and was able to get a look at Vanderbilt as well due to his baseball travels.

"(Ohio State) said I had a good showing at camp," he explained. "They are waiting on my game film to see how I do. We'll see where everything goes from there."

As an Ohio State legacy and Central Ohio resident, an offer from the Buckeyes would certainly be a big one for the athletic lineman.

"It would mean a lot," he said. "Growing up, that's all I knew. That would be a big offer."

Carter is currently sitting on 11 offers, but says he is still a little bit behind in the process because of a lack of visits.

"Not really because I haven't had a chance to visit anywhere," he said, when asked if any schools were standing out. "This fall I am hoping to get to a few games. I know I want to get down to Kentucky and Tennessee."