Carson Hinzman

Carson Hinzman graduated from Saint Croix Central High School in Hammond, Wisconsin. He was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2022. He ranked third in Wisconsin. Top 10 nationally for interior offensive linemen and top 200 overall in the class. Hinzman received 21 offers from most of the top Power 4 schools in the country. He went on 4 recruiting visits to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Iowa. After his 2021 season, he made those four visits before committing to Ohio State early in the offseason.

Hinzman has made a huge difference to this offensive line. He has been a three-year starter with the Buckeyes, and the tape backs it up. Hinzman could bode well by adding 10-15 pounds at the next level, but he looks bigger than his weight suggests. Part of that is because he stands 6’5”, which is pretty tall for a center. Most stand about 6’3”. I don’t anticipate that being a problem, but it could be an issue against some of the league's shorter QBs. Athletically, he moves very well. He can reach second-level defenders with ease and has fluid hips to pair. His hip fluidity gives his feet and recovery more room for error. On average, he has good hand placement and timing. He has snatch moves and multiple things to utilize against a defender. Hinzman can anchor down well, get good leg drive, and get guys out of desired lanes. Hinzman has great physicality and constantly tries to pancake people. Overall, he is very good above the shoulders. He has awareness, experience, and passes along assignments well. I have also never seen a bad exchange/snap between him and Sayin.

Hinzman is still a little too slender, some would say. Depending on the offensive scheme he joins, I think he should add a couple pounds. Hinzman occasionally doesn’t keep his feet moving through initial contact. At times, his hands also lack violence. Hinzman will lunge into blocks, and his pad level can be too high at times. At times, he rushes to climb up rather than wait for his teammate to be fully on the block. Hinzman also occasionally misses delayed blitzes or stunts.

Overall, I really like Carson Hinzman, and I think he would be a solid addition to any o-line group. He has the size and length to play guard at the next level. If a team doesn’t need a center, you would still feel comfortable penciling him in at guard. Hinzman will be an average-to-above-average center at the next level. I think the Cardinals, Panthers, Bears, Jaguars, Giants, Texans, and Bucs. Many teams don’t have great centers, and more than 10 teams could use what Hinzman offers as a prospect.