Bobby Carpenter’s father Rob was a two-time all-American running back at Miami (OH) and was drafted by the Oilers in the 1977 NFL draft. After an 11 year NFL career that included time with the Oilers, Giants, and Rams, Rob got into football coaching and is now the head coach at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Ohio. Bobby has three younger brothers, one of which, Jonathan, is a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati. Bobby played football at Lancaster and also swam as a senior. His senior season included 128 tackles and a first team all-Ohio selection. Bobby accepted a scholarship to Ohio State where he played in all 14 games as a reserve in 2002. As a sophomore Bobby started three games, totaling 37 tackles, 4 ½ sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His junior season was a breakout year for Carpenter. He finished with 93 tackles, 2 sacks and intercepted 3 passes on the year. As a part of one of the best group of linebackers in the nation that included A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegal, Carpenter totaled 49 tackles and a career high 8 sacks as a senior despite missing time with a broken ankle.

Bobby Carpenter has a good combination of size and athleticism for a linebacker. He has excellent instincts and a real nose for the football. He plays hard and has a non-stop motor. He is a strong player who does a good job of shedding blocks and getting to the ball carrier. He has the ability to make plays all over the field. He isn't an explosive tackler, but he is a solid, wrap-up tackler. His speed allows him to cover tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield and he possesses good ball skills. He is a very good pass rusher who had a career high 8 sacks as a senior. He can be a bit overaggressive at times and he will miss some tackles. Bobby Carpenter is a versatile player who can defend the run and the pass. He could play in either the 4-3 or the 3-4 defensive scheme. Bobby would be the best linebacker on almost any other team. Being on the Ohio State team he was overshadowed a bit playing next to other top linebackers like A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegal. He isn’t on the same level as Hawk; however, Bobby Carpenter is still one of the better outside linebacker prospects in the draft. He will be a first day pick in April.