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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Carson Hinzman Finding Footing at Left Guard for Ohio State Despite Plenty of Turmoil Since December
In 11 months, Carson Hinzman went from being benched for the Cotton Bowl to part of the solution for Ohio State's offensive line turmoil.
Carson Hinzman Finding Footing at Left Guard for Ohio State Despite Plenty of Turmoil Since December
Oh, the difference 11 months can make.
This past December, Carson Hinzman, then Ohio State’s starting center, was benched ahead of the Cotton Bowl in favor of right guard Matt Jones, who slid in to take his spot as Enokk Vimahi plugged in at Jones’ former position. The Buckeyes’ offensive line proceeded to put on perhaps its worst performance in recent memory during a 14-3 loss to Missouri.
That’s ancient history at this point. Recency bias trumps all in the hearts and minds of fans, and most recently, Hinzman swapped in at left guard to help save an offensive line that seemed to be on a downward spiral due to injury and is growing his confidence for the stretch run of the season.
“Just trusting God’s process,” Hinzman said. “I definitely did not have left guard in my mind coming into this year or last year. But just trusting the plan, trusting that I'm going to do everything I can for this team. My brothers (are playing well), I’m not gonna be petty in any way. So, just giving all I can no matter what position I play.”
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State Buckeye are you most thankful for?
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
www.landgrantholyland.com
Which Ohio State Buckeye are you most thankful for?
Matt’s answer: Carson Hinzman
Will Howard is an excellent choice by Brett and one that I am clearly very much in support of. But in this moment, this week, heading into this game, I am especially thankful for Carson Hinzman. After starting 12 games at center last year, only to be replaced with seemingly little logic for what turned out to be a shambolic bowl performance from the offensive line, it would have been easy for the junior lineman to become disenchanted in Columbus and look to find greener pastures elsewhere.However, he did not do that, nor did he opt to leave when OSU brought in a two-year starting center from Alabama via the transfer portal. Instead, he continued to work and learn behind Seth McLaughlin until he was called upon to move a little to his left and fill in at guard following the injuries to Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski.
In his brief time at LG, he played very well, but once McLaughlin went down, he was thrust back into the exact same spot he was in last year. Against Indiana, Hinzman was back at the center of Ohio State’s offensive line which dominated a top-five opponent.
So, I am incredibly grateful that the team has his experience heading into the homestretch following McLaughlin’s Achilles injury, and I am even more grateful that Carson chose to remain a Buckeye. He is not a native Ohioan, I wouldn’t doubt that Luke Fickell likely would have welcomed the Wisconsin native with open arms had Hinzman entered the transfer portal.
But, he did not, and now he is arguably the most important non-quarterback on Ohio State’s roster as the team prepares to enter the postseason as the betting favorite to win the national championship. I shudder to think what could have been in store for the Buckeye offensive line had McLaughlin gone down and Hinzman wasn’t on the team. Yes, Joshua Padilla was the No. 11 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting cycle, but he has barely played at Ohio State, and that is not the type of guy you want to have to turn to when your season is on the line.
So, Carson Hinzman, I hope that whenever you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal — either on Thursday or after The Game — you have an extra helping of mashed potatoes and know that Buckeye Nation is grateful to have you on our side.
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When I see someone respond to adversity as he has, my mind drifts to what such a person can accomplish in life after football. It appears that the sky would be the limit.
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