CINCINNATI, Ohio — Clemson’s offensive line has two Cincinnati-area natives — Matt Bockhorst, who played at St. Xavier and Jackson Carman, who played at Fairfield High School.

•  The unit for the Tigers has some strong Ohio ties
• Junior guard Matt Bockhorst and sophomore left tackle Jackson Carman are from Cincinnati and are playing key roles on the Tigers O-line
• Both players are motivated to beat the big school from their home state

In 2017, Carman was rated as the top prospect in Ohio, and projected by many to land at Ohio State. But, surprisingly, he chose Clemson.

“When he left, obviously we talked about the possibility that some day he’s probably gonna play Ohio State,” Fairfield High School Football Coach Jason Krause said. 

Now, both teams are set to square off in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

Krause said Carman has been looking forward to the chance to play the Buckeyes because it’s something that’s been on his mind. 

“I think there’s definitely pressure involved, number one. I think he probably feels a little individual pressure because it is Ohio State and he’s an Ohio kid. But I do think the flip side of that, talking to him, they kinda haven’t been the number one team all year. Even though they’re the returning National Champions.”

For Matt Bockhorst, there is no ill will, so to speak, against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State showed interest in him, but never officially offered a scholarship.

His parent’s Mike and Lora say it’s a chance for Matt to prove himself against one of the top teams in the nation. 

“He loves competing, and he loves competing against the best,” Mike Bockhorst said. “And he knows Ohio State is one of the best this year. So he’s excited to have this opportunity. And I would have to think, in the back of his mind, being from Ohio, to have a little bit of those bragging rights… yeah, it probably has a little extra incentive in there.” 

So what’s the appeal for two Ohio guys to go to play for Clemson?

Head coach Dabo Swinney is the main reason. His straight-forward approach hit home for Bockhorst.

“He said, I’m not going to make any guarantees,” Mike Bockhorst said. “He said, Matthew, I’m not going guarantee that you’re going to make it to the NFL. I’m not going to guarantee you’re gonna play. I’m not going to guarantee anything except you’ll be loved. And we’re going to take care of you down here.”

Krause said Carman has matured a lot over his first two seasons at Clemson. A big part of that comes from the relationship Carman and Bockhorst have. 

“He took Jackson under his wing when Jackson came down there,” Mike Bockhorst said. “They’re the two Ohio guys. He said Jackson, you know what — I’ve had a year under my belt — I’m gonna help you along with this. Because it is a big leap, going from high school to college…just the expectations, the demand of their time. He’s done a really nice job bringing that Ohio culture down there.” 

“When he left here I knew how much talent that he had,” Krause said. “And he’d be the first to tell you that he needed to mature a little bit. He’s done that. The conversations we’ve had I can see it, I can hear it. He’s really focused on being a great student, a great teammate, a great worker. And all that leads to being a great player. I think right now those are his goals.”

Lora Bockhorst says she knows it’s going to be a great game between the two programs, but overall they’re proud of their son and how he’s developed at Clemson.

“We are very proud,” Lora Bockhorst said. “Matthew has worked very hard to follow his dream. And in addition to the athletic side, he is an awesome student, which is important to us as well. So we are very proud of him. We’re excited for these games ahead.”