Interview: The Push will be on in the Spring for Memphis 2018 OT Jerome Carvin

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

College football coaches that believe the game starts in the trenches and is won up front love guys like Jerome Carvin. Carvin is a Class of 2018 offensive tackle who will bring college coaches from across the country into the Memphis area over and over throughout the next year hoping to influence him to their respective school.

In more ways than one, Carvin was a big reason Cordova High School had an outstanding 2016 season. Cordova ran their record to 12-2 with their 6-4, 315 pound, left tackle helping clear the way. Even though he just wrapped up his junior season, even opposing high school coaches hold his game in high regard naming him a Region 4-6A first team performer.

College coaches wanting a mauler up front with a nasty streak from the snap of the ball to the sound of the whistle have started building a bridge of interest to what some day in the near future could be a scholarship offer. Among the many interested includes Alabama, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Indiana, Florida, and Arkansas. Four Division-I offers and one Division-II offer have already been extended.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Carvin going over his junior campaign while getting an update on all the schools that have offered, shown interest, and the unofficial visits he has already taken.

Interview

Jerome, when did you start playing varsity football?

“My sophomore year.”

Did you start your sophomore year?

“I did.”

Where all have you lined up on the field?

“I have mainly played left tackle.”

Have you played guard or center?

“I have played guard but I have never played center.”

I know it is a long way until the 2017 season, but will we see you on defense next season?

“We are losing a lot of seniors this year – maybe.”

If you do, are you excited about possibly playing defense next year?

“Yes, sir. I think it would be a great opportunity for me to experience new things.”

What are the strengths of your pass set and run blocking?

“Finishing run blocks is one. With passing, I had no sacks allowed this season. I can always improve, but I think that is the best part of my game. My kick, is my best part. I have a good punch. I can keep the edge rusher off.”

Do you remember you weight room totals from this summer?

“My bench was 305 and my squat was 475.”

What are your off-season goals?

“My off-season goals are to get better at run blocking and pass blocking. I want to get better technique wise, get stronger, and improve on my speed. I want to go to some camps and try to win some MVPs.”

What drills will you do to help your technique?

“Most likely pass blocking drills and get on the sled for run blocking.”

You mentioned attending camps, which camps might you attend?

“The Nike Opening Regional and the Rivals camp. I might go to some university camps.”

Which university camps are you thinking about attending?

“Right now, Alabama. I’m not really sure right now about the rest.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?

“Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Vanderbilt, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest.”

Which schools do you hold offers from so far?

“Memphis, Louisville, Kentucky, Texas-San Antonio and I have a D-II offer from Arkansas-Monticello. The former DC from Cordova is there (UAM).”

Did you take any game day visits this season?

“Yes, sir. I went to Louisville for the Florida State game, Alabama for their game against Auburn, and I went to Arkansas for their game against LSU. I went to two Bama games. I went there for their game against Kentucky too.”

From all of the unofficial visits you have taken, what have you learned about the college game or what has caught your eye through this process?

“Definitely the fans, they caught my eye. Going to a game day scenario with the players from getting off the bus, I liked it.”

Do you have any planned visits for next spring?

“Yes, sir. I’m going to Kentucky on Jan. 28 for their Junior Day. We are going to a game then too. I’m going to Arkansas’ Junior Day but they have not given me a date yet. Louisville, Memphis, and I will try to take a trip down to UTSA as well.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.0 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT on Dec. 10. I have not received the results yet.”

“Feeling good about it?

“I think I did well.”

For fun, are you getting excited about any of the bowl games?

“Yes, sir. Louisville vs. LSU, I will be watching that. Kentucky vs. Georgia Tech, Memphis vs. Western Kentucky, Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech, and the college football playoffs.”

Jerome, thanks for your time today and good luck with the results from your ACT.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Carvin family; Jerome Carvin at Arkansas (2016).

Photo credit: Carvin family; Jerome Carvin at Alabama (2016).