Interview: 4-Star Tennessee 2018 OL Jerome Carvin Updates South Carolina Gamecocks Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Offensive lineman Jerome Carvin has quickly become one of the top prized recruits in the 2018 class. The Cordova High School standout had a monster junior season in 2016 earning Region 4-6A first team honors leading to five offers by mid-December. Since then, the 6-4, 325 pound tackle has seen his offer sheet expand to at least 16 programs. Among the many extending offers includes Auburn, Indiana, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, UAB, Kentucky, Louisville, Texas-San Antonio and in-state powers Memphis and Tennessee.

Over the weekend, Carvin visited another one of his offer schools, South Carolina. The Gamecocks are one of many schools the Memphis area product has visited this spring including Alabama, Missouri, Memphis, and Tennessee. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Carvin getting the inside scoop on his time in Columbia and his next couple of visits.

Interview

Jerome, let’s set the table. When did you arrive in Columbia?

“Friday night. We started the visit Saturday morning.”

Who went with you?

“My mom.”

How long did the visit last?

“It started at 9:00 a.m. and ended after the spring game around 3:00 p.m.”

What all did you do during your visit with the Gamecocks?

“When we got there they took me on the campus tour. We saw the academic buildings and dorms. After that we went to their football facilities. I met with Coach (Will) Muschamp (head coach). We talked one-on-one for a little while. He said that I am a top priority for them and that he wanted me at South Carolina. I met with their offensive line coach, Coach (Eric) Wolford. Coach Wolford was with me and my mom the whole time.

“They have nice facilities there, and a new one coming soon. I’m looking forward to seeing that. After that, then we ate. Then we watched the spring game. The spring game was pretty good. After the game they allowed some of the recruits to go into the locker room. I talked to some of the players then. Coach Wolford and Coach (Bobby) Bentley (running backs coach) also told me that I was a top priority for them. They said they would come see me this spring in April or in May.”

The coaches said you were a priority recruit for them, what else did they talk to you about?

“They said they loved my film. They were really showing love to me. They talked to me about the program and asked questions about my visit.”

Which position is South Carolina recruiting you to play?

“Guard.”

Are you cool with playing guard in college?

“Yeah. I’ll play where ever they want me to play.”

Did the coaches talk to you about their scheme and how you would fit into their scheme at guard?

“Yes, sir. They talked about the scheme. Coach Wolford said they run a pro-style offense with some RPO (run pass option). They also do a lot of power and counters. He said that will get me ready for the NFL. Coach Wolford was in the NFL with the 49ers. He said I have been where you are trying to get to and I can help you get there. He said that I would fit well in their scheme.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“The campus was really nice. I liked the campus tour. They did a great job. The facilities were pretty good. They were talking about the new ones.”

Do plan to visit South Carolina again any time soon?

“I’m not sure yet. They are coming to see me this spring. I’m not sure when I might be back. I’m still trying to figure that out.”

Last time we spoke you had Florida as your next scheduled visit for this weekend. Is that still set?

“No. I’m going to Georgia this weekend.”

What brought about the change to Georgia?

“I’ll be in Atlanta on Friday. Since I will be in Atlanta I want to go up there to visit before I go to Auburn on the 8th.”

Does Florida know about the change?

“Yes, sir. They still want me to come for a visit. They were fine with it.”

What has you excited about visiting Georgia?

“I’m looking forward to it. I have been to Georgia but not to the University of Georgia. I want to learn about their academic programs and spend time with Coach (Sam) Pittman (offensive line coach) and the rest of Georgia’s staff.”

You have Auburn the following day, what has you excited about visiting the Tigers?

“I’ll be there for their spring game – the A-Game. There will be a lot of fans there. I’m looking forward to meeting the coaches and spending time with Coach (Gus) Malzahn (head coach) and Coach (Herb) Hand (offensive line coach). I’m excited to see their facilities and watch their spring game.”

Jerome, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits to Georgia and Auburn.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Carvin family; Jerome Carvin with Will Muschamp.

Photo credit:  Carvin family; Jerome Carvin with Eric Wolford.