Max Klare, the tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has spent much of his college career working to solidify his place in one of the most storied programs in college football. While Ohio State is known for producing elite players at nearly every position, including quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, the tight end position has often been overshadowed in recent years. For Klare, a player with exceptional talent and a strong work ethic, the goal is clear: advance his career, not just as a contributor for the Buckeyes but as a potential NFL prospect.
In a program that has seen its fair share of standout stars, Max Klare has quietly put together a solid foundation for himself. His journey, however, has been filled with challenges and opportunities that have shaped his character, work ethic, and potential. As he looks to advance his career, Klare’s story reflects the dynamics of being a tight end in today’s high-powered offenses and the path to making a lasting impact at Ohio State and beyond.
Max Klare’s Early Career: A Strong Start with the Buckeyes
Max Klare’s journey to Ohio State began long before he ever set foot on the Buckeyes’ campus. Hailing from a football-rich area, Klare was a standout athlete in high school, showing off his abilities as both a tight end and an all-around athlete. At Ohio State, he was recruited as part of a deep and talented class, and while many recruits were vying for starting positions right away, Klare’s role was primarily as a developmental player, learning the ropes under experienced coaches and veteran teammates.
When Klare first arrived at Ohio State, there was a sense of competition at the tight end position, with players like Jeremy Ruckert and Luke Farrell holding down the starting spots in the Buckeyes’ potent offense. As a result, Klare’s early years were spent on the sidelines, learning from players who had already established themselves as key contributors to the program’s success. Despite not immediately seeing significant playing time, Klare’s potential was recognized by coaches, and his work ethic made him a promising prospect for the future.
His time as a backup allowed him to hone his skills and refine his craft. Klare’s strengths as a tight end—his blocking, receiving ability, and route running—made him a versatile asset in both the passing and running games. Although he wasn’t yet a starter, his knowledge of the playbook and his ability to work within the team’s system showed a level of maturity beyond his years.
The Evolution of the Tight End Position at Ohio State
The tight end position at Ohio State has evolved significantly over the years, with the Buckeyes moving toward a more pass-oriented attack in recent seasons. Historically, Ohio State’s offensive schemes have utilized tight ends primarily for their blocking abilities, but with the rise of modern college football offenses, tight ends are now expected to be versatile, capable of both blocking and catching passes in critical moments. This shift has put more emphasis on the development of tight ends who can contribute in both areas, as well as possess the athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game.
Max Klare’s development has coincided with this shift in the program’s offensive philosophy. The Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator, Ryan Day, has overseen an offense that has become more dynamic in its passing attack, with tight ends being an integral part of that evolution. For Klare, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As a player who has always prided himself on his versatility, the changing offensive schemes have allowed him to broaden his skill set and position himself as an all-around weapon for Ohio State.
Klare’s ability to contribute in both the blocking game and as a receiving threat has been key to his role in the offense. In recent years, Ohio State’s tight ends have seen an increased role in the passing game, making crucial catches in key moments and serving as dependable targets in short-yardage and red-zone situations. This evolution has given Klare the chance to develop his receiving skills, as well as refine his route running to become a more well-rounded player.
Overcoming Challenges: The Path to Starting
As Klare looks to make his mark in Ohio State’s stacked offense, he faces stiff competition for playing time at the tight end position. The Buckeyes have recruited elite talent at the tight end position, with players like Ruckert and Farrell setting the standard in recent years. These players have left big shoes to fill, as they played pivotal roles in Ohio State’s offense and became trusted targets for quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.
For Klare, the challenge has been to find a way to stand out among a group of talented tight ends. In an offense that often features multiple tight ends on the field at once, Klare has had to carve out a niche for himself by constantly improving his game. This has meant working on his blocking technique to be an asset in the running game, as well as sharpening his skills as a pass catcher to make an impact when called upon.
Despite the challenges, Klare’s work ethic and commitment to the team have helped him gradually earn a larger role. Throughout his time at Ohio State, he has been praised for his ability to stay focused, push through adversity, and take on a leadership role among his peers. Coaches have spoken highly of his dedication to improving and his willingness to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success.
As Ohio State has looked to integrate more tight end-friendly schemes, Klare has shown flashes of brilliance. Whether it’s making key blocks in critical run plays or pulling in a crucial reception in the red zone, Klare has proven that he can be relied upon when the team needs him. His consistency and work ethic have made him an invaluable asset for the Buckeyes, and as the 2023 season looms, Klare looks to take on a more prominent role in Ohio State’s offense.
Klare’s Role in the 2023 Season and Beyond
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Max Klare hopes to solidify his place as a key contributor for Ohio State. With the Buckeyes having a new quarterback and a revamped offense, there will be significant opportunities for Klare to step into a larger role. Ohio State’s offense has become known for its explosive passing attack, but with the rise of the run game, the tight end position will continue to be an integral part of the offense’s success.
In particular, Klare’s ability to be both a blocker and a pass-catcher will be crucial for Ohio State’s offensive scheme. His role will likely fluctuate depending on the matchup and the situation, but his versatility will give offensive coordinator Ryan Day a lot of flexibility in designing plays. Klare is capable of lining up in multiple positions, both on the line of scrimmage and in the slot, which makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Moreover, Klare’s presence in the passing game will be vital in relieving some of the pressure off Ohio State’s wide receivers. The Buckeyes often rely on their explosive wideouts to carry the load in the passing game, but having a reliable tight end who can make key catches in critical moments will only make the offense more dangerous. Klare’s hands, combined with his ability to read defenses and adjust his routes, make him a valuable target for the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks.
Additionally, Klare’s leadership will be crucial for Ohio State as they look to maintain their status as one of the top programs in the country. As a senior, Klare has had the opportunity to mentor younger players in the tight end room, and his experience will help guide the development of the next wave of Ohio State tight ends. His work ethic and commitment to improvement set an example for the younger players, and his mentorship will help continue Ohio State’s tradition of excellence at the position.
Preparing for the NFL Draft
While Klare’s immediate goal is to help Ohio State win a national championship, he is also aware of the long-term potential that lies ahead. As he enters his final season with the Buckeyes, Klare has his sights set on the NFL, and his performance in the 2023 season could be crucial in shaping his future as a professional player. Tight ends who can contribute in both the passing game and as effective blockers are highly valued in the NFL, and Klare’s skill set puts him in a good position to make the leap to the next level.
For Klare, the key to advancing his career will be consistently showcasing his ability to make plays in critical moments. Whether it’s blocking for the running game or making clutch receptions in key games, every play will be an opportunity for him to prove his worth to NFL scouts. If he can continue to develop his game, especially as a pass catcher, he will have the chance to impress at the next level.