Carson Hinzman's Journey: From Wisconsin to Ohio State's Offensive Line Leader
Carson Hinzman, a Wisconsin native, has come a long way since his last game against his home state. Two years ago, he was a nervous and uncertain player, struggling to understand the game and relying heavily on his teammates. Fast forward to today, and Hinzman is a confident and experienced veteran of Ohio State's offensive line, ready to take on the Badgers once again.
A Look Back at the Past
Hinzman's journey began when he watched game film from Ohio State's previous match against Wisconsin. He recalled feeling overwhelmed and unsure of himself, saying, 'I had no idea really what I was doing. I was just kind of playing ball and hoping stuff didn't go wrong.' This was a stark contrast to his current position as a starting center for the Buckeyes.
The Struggle and the Turnaround
The turning point came when Hinzman was thrust into the starting lineup a year earlier than expected due to Luke Wypler's NFL draft entry. He struggled throughout the 2023 season, leading to his benching for the season-ending Cotton Bowl. However, this experience has made him a more confident and capable player.
Leadership and Trust
Hinzman now finds himself in a different position, stepping into a leadership role. He says, 'I get to kind of step into a little bit more of a leadership role and have a lot of the guys kind of rely on me and what I'm looking at and how I can see what's happening and kind of diagnose that.' This transformation has given him a unique perspective on the game.
A Wisconsin Fan's Perspective
Growing up a Wisconsin fan, Hinzman never imagined he'd be on the opponent's sideline at Camp Randall Stadium. He recalls bringing a Wisconsin lunch pail to school and his mother painting Bucky Badger on the windows for his birthday. His recruitment was a close battle between Ohio State and Wisconsin, with Hinzman almost committing to the Badgers.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite the Badgers' struggles this season, Hinzman is aware of the challenge they pose. He says, 'It's still gonna be a battle. I mean, that front seven's really good. And the way they play is a little bit different than guys we've played this season so far.' He recognizes the importance of stepping up in the running game, where Wisconsin ranks in the top 20 nationally with just 97.5 rushing yards allowed per game.
A Ready and Confident Player
Hinzman has become a player Ohio State can fully rely on. After starting last season as the backup to Seth McLaughlin, he finished the year as the starting center for a national championship team. His communication, confidence, and ability to keep the offensive line together have made him an excellent football player, according to Ryan Day.
A Family Affair
Hinzman expects to have more than 40 family members and friends in the stands for Saturday night's game. He's eager to show them just how much he's improved since his last game in his home state. With a lot more confidence than he had two years ago, Hinzman is ready to take on the challenge and make it happen.
