Carnell Tate, Ohio State’s second 5-star wide receiver, embraces the grind and dirty work, but never underestimate his ability.

Ohio State football has long been known for its powerhouse offenses, and much of that success can be attributed to the talent in the wide receiver room. Over the years, the Buckeyes have produced a plethora of NFL-caliber wide receivers, with names like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Michael Thomas standing out. The tradition of excellence continues, as Ohio State’s wide receiver corps is once again loaded with potential, including the addition of Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes’ second 5-star wide receiver from the class of 2023.

Carnell Tate has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with, and his journey to Ohio State has been a testament to both his raw talent and his commitment to the game. What sets Tate apart, though, is not just his undeniable ability to make explosive plays or his athleticism. It’s his willingness to do the “dirty work”—the plays that don’t always show up on the highlight reel but are essential for a team’s success. While many young wide receivers might shy away from the gritty aspects of the position, Tate has made it clear that he’s ready to embrace the grind and help his team in any way possible.

But don’t let his willingness to dig into the trenches fool you. While Tate is more than happy to block, run the routes that don’t always get the applause, or take on responsibilities that others might avoid, his talent is undeniable. He has the ability to make defenders look foolish and can turn a simple slant route into a highlight-worthy touchdown at any given moment. So while he’s OK with doing the work that might not always draw attention, it’s crucial to never underestimate his potential to make game-changing plays.

A 5-Star Talent

Tate’s story begins in the Chicago suburb of Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he was a standout athlete at Marist High School. Playing in one of the most competitive regions for high school football in the country, Tate was always surrounded by talented athletes, which helped mold him into the player he is today. By the time he finished his high school career, Tate had racked up impressive numbers—catching 72 passes for 1,084 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior year alone. His explosive playmaking ability and smooth route-running caught the attention of college programs across the country.

It didn’t take long for Tate to be labeled as a 5-star recruit, earning accolades from major recruiting services like 247Sports and Rivals. His combination of size (6’2″, 185 pounds), speed, and refined technique made him one of the top wide receivers in the 2023 class, and it wasn’t long before top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State all began to recruit him intensely.

Ultimately, Tate made the decision to commit to Ohio State, joining a wide receiver group that was already loaded with talent. The allure of playing for a championship-contending team, coupled with the opportunity to be coached by wide receiver guru Brian Hartline, was too strong to pass up. Tate’s decision to choose Ohio State also tied into his personal goal of not just being a part of an elite program but being developed into the best possible player he could be, both for the Buckeyes and for his future career.

Tate’s journey to Ohio State was far from easy, and the competition in the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room is fierce. But what makes Tate so impressive is his mentality. He’s not intimidated by the talent surrounding him; rather, he welcomes the challenge. It’s a mentality that has served him well on the field and is already showing in his early years at Ohio State.

The Dirty Work

While Tate’s natural ability and elite status as a 5-star recruit undoubtedly make him stand out, what truly makes him valuable to Ohio State’s offense is his attitude toward the “dirty work” of being a wide receiver. For many wide receivers, the dirty work often involves blocking on running plays, running routes that don’t necessarily lead to catches or touchdowns, or engaging in the types of small details that make an offense function smoothly but don’t necessarily show up in box scores.

It’s easy to be a wide receiver who excels when the ball is thrown your way. After all, that’s what most people focus on. But it takes a special kind of player to be willing to sacrifice individual accolades for the success of the team. Tate, though, has fully embraced this approach. In an interview with reporters, Tate emphasized that he’s willing to do whatever it takes for his team to succeed—even if that means putting in the hard work that might not lead to immediate recognition.

“I’ve always known that in order for the team to be successful, I need to do more than just catch passes,” Tate said. “Whether that’s blocking on the edge or running routes that open things up for others, I’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure the offense keeps moving.”

This selfless attitude makes Tate an invaluable asset to Ohio State’s offense. Not only is he capable of making dynamic plays when given the ball, but he is also willing to contribute in ways that help others succeed. His blocking has already impressed coaches and teammates alike, as his physicality and effort in that area have been highlighted in practice. Tate understands that in a fast-paced offense like Ohio State’s, the success of the wide receiver group depends on everyone pulling their weight. Whether it’s springing running backs for big gains or occupying defenders to free up teammates for open catches, Tate is more than willing to play his part.

“We talk a lot about how important it is to do your job in this offense, and Carnell is the perfect example of that,” said Ohio State wide receiver coach Brian Hartline. “He has the talent to be a star, but what really sets him apart is his willingness to work hard and embrace every part of the position.”

This attitude also makes Tate a great teammate. In an era of wide receivers that often crave the spotlight, Tate’s humility and focus on team success have earned him the respect of his peers. He knows that for Ohio State to continue its tradition of success, it requires everyone—wide receivers, running backs, quarterbacks, and offensive linemen—to do their job. Tate has fully bought into this mindset, and it’s clear that his teammates appreciate his work ethic and leadership.

Don’t Underestimate His Ability

Despite his willingness to do the dirty work, it would be a grave mistake to underestimate Tate’s talent and ability to make explosive plays when the opportunity arises. At 6’2″, Tate possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a nightmare for defenders. He’s capable of running a full route tree and has shown flashes of being able to separate from defenders with ease, whether on deep routes or shorter, more intricate plays.

His ability to track the ball and make contested catches is another area where Tate excels. He has a natural feel for adjusting his body mid-air to haul in passes, and his soft hands and strong focus ensure that he makes the most of every opportunity that comes his way. Whether it’s a deep post, a slant route, or a quick screen pass, Tate has the potential to turn any play into a game-changer.

His ability to stretch the field and make plays downfield is one of his most dangerous assets. While his physicality in blocking and route running often steals the spotlight, his speed and agility allow him to blow past defenders on deep routes and become an immediate threat in the passing game. Ohio State’s offense, which thrives on big plays, will certainly benefit from Tate’s ability to contribute in both the short and long game.

At Ohio State, Tate joins a group of elite wide receivers, and while the competition for playing time is stiff, his skill set makes him a key piece in the Buckeyes’ offensive puzzle. With talented quarterbacks like Kyle McCord and Devin Brown leading the way, and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline continuing to develop the wide receiver corps, Tate has the potential to make a significant impact on the field. But as he’s proven so far, it’s not just about the flashy plays—Tate is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

The Future Is Bright

As Ohio State gears up for the 2023 season and beyond, Carnell Tate’s role will only continue to expand. His commitment to the team, his willingness to embrace the grind, and his undeniable talent make him a perfect fit for the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. And while Tate is focused on doing whatever it takes to help Ohio State win, there’s no doubt that he’s primed for big things as his career progresses.

In a world where wide receivers are often caught up in the pursuit of individual glory, Carnell Tate’s humble approach, combined with his impressive skill set, ensures that he will make a lasting impact on Ohio State football—whether it’s through the dirty work or the highlight-reel plays. For Tate, it’s all about doing what’s best for the team. But as Ohio State fans will soon learn, when he does get the ball in his hands, it’s a reminder to never underestimate his ability to change a game.