Signed: Carnell Tate gives Buckeyes potential superstar at wide receiver
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Carnell Tate has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State targeted Carnell Tate as a superstar prospect early in the process.
The highly-rated four-star IMG Academy wide receiver has midwestern roots. He and Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline clicked immediately. Tate fell in love with Ohio State.
Yes, there was certainly a push from Tennessee and others to poach Tate away from the Buckeyes. But all of that was put to rest, officially, on Wednesday: Carnell Tate has signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Carnell Tate?
Carnell Tate is a four-star wide receiver from Chicago, Illinois, and transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He committed to the Buckeyes on June 20, 2022. Tate held nearly 40 FBS offers but chose the Buckeyes over Tennessee and other top programs around the country.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 44 overall, No. 7 WR, No. 10 Florida
On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 65 overall, No. 9 WR, No. 14 Florida
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High school: IMG Academy
Tate is one of the best receiver prospects in the country, and he is a player the Buckeyes targeted as a special skill player before most of the other top programs that were recruiting him.
He has been locked in with Ohio State ever since he committed in the summer. There had been speculation about his recruitment and commitment to the Buckeyes late in the cycle, but Tate silenced the noise by reaffirming his pledge.
Tate is part of a special haul for wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. Five-star Noah Rogers and fellow four star receivers Brandon Inniss and Bryson Rodgers are also in the class at the wide receiver position.
How did Tate end up at Ohio State?
Ohio State offered Carnell Tate in April 2021, an early sign that he would be a priority in the class of 2023.
He knew Ohio State would be a good fit for him, especially given how good the Buckeyes wide receivers have been for years under Hartline
“I’ve seen their program doing good recently, especially their wide receivers,” Tate told On3 this fal. “You’ve got guys like Marvin (Harrison) and other guys that didn’t really get their chance to play last year. They’re getting their chance to shine. They’re getting the ball to the receivers, passing for nearly 300 yards per game. That’s good to see as a receiver.”
Carnell Tate Scouting Report (On3)
Well-rounded receiver with technical savvy and large catch radius. Has very long arms and big hands. Highly coordinated with the ability to track, adjust and high-point the football in contested situations. Has shown some encouraging route-running skills. Doubles as a dangerous return man due to his change of direction and open-field vision. A good athlete with play speed, though not quite as fast as some of his peers in a combine setting.
On3 player comparison: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd
