Fernando Carmona Jr. is an emerging talent in American college football, known for his impressive transition from tight end to offensive tackle and his significant contributions on the offensive line.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on July 8, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Carmona attended Las Vegas High School, where he showcased his athletic versatility by participating in football, basketball, and tennis. As a tight end on the football team, he earned second-team All-Sunrise League honors in 2019, recording 13 receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown.
Collegiate Career at San Jose State
Carmona began his collegiate journey at San Jose State University, where he transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle. After redshirting in 2021, he became a pivotal part of the Spartans' offensive line:
2022 Season: Started all 12 games at left tackle, logging 809 offensive snaps and allowing just three sacks in 569 pass-blocking snaps. His performance earned him Academic All-Mountain West honors.
2023 Season: Continued his streak by starting all 12 regular-season games, contributing to San Jose State's co-regular season Mountain West Championship. He played 765 snaps, achieving an overall grade of 81.5 per Pro Football Focus (PFF), with an 81.0 pass-blocking grade. Carmona allowed only two sacks in 424 pass-blocking snaps and was instrumental in a rushing attack that saw two players each surpass 800 rushing yards.
Transfer to the University of Arkansas
Following his successful tenure at San Jose State, Carmona transferred to the University of Arkansas, joining the Razorbacks to compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This move positions him against some of the nation's top defensive talents, providing a platform to further develop his skills and showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Scouting Report and NFL Prospects
Standing at 6'5" and weighing 314 pounds, Carmona possesses the ideal size and athleticism for an offensive tackle. His background as a tight end contributes to his agility and foot speed, enhancing his effectiveness in both pass protection and run blocking. Scouting reports highlight his explosiveness off the snap, power at the point of attack, and spatial awareness. Areas for improvement include refining his technique and consistency, particularly as he adapts to the elevated competition in the SEC.
Personal Background
Carmona comes from an athletically inclined family. His father, Fernando Sr., was an All-Western Athletic Conference first baseman for the University of Utah in 1985, and his brother, George, served as a long snapper for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2016.
Conclusion
Fernando Carmona Jr.'s journey from a multi-sport high school athlete to a prominent offensive lineman in college football underscores his adaptability, work ethic, and athletic prowess. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career with the Arkansas Razorbacks, he stands as a player to watch, with the potential to make a significant impact in the SEC and attract attention from NFL scouts.
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