CHARLOTTE — When Lathan Ransom was around six years old and playing football for the first time, his dad used to sit him down and turn on the tape.

Or at least as much as one can turn on the tape for a six-year-old.

"At that young age, it's not really Xs and O's," Ransom explained. "It's really 'Lathan, you did this wrong; this is how we correct it. Lathan, you did this wrong; this is how we change it.' So, at a young age, that's what we're doing, and it actually helped my game develop a lot at such a young age."

It created a habit that has followed Ransom—drafted by the Carolina Panthers at No. 122 overall on Saturday—his entire football career.

"I love watching film, love trying to learn and take part of everyone's game," Ransom said. "So, you know, man, I'm just, I try to watch as much film as I can to learn from these guys."

The Ohio State safety had 76 tackles, 9 for loss, with 1.0 sack, an interceptions, two pass break-ups and a team-high three forced fumbles this past season, earning him first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American as the Buckeyes won the national championship.

Ransom had planned on entering the draft following the 2023 season, but a foot injury cut his season short and changed his plans. Instead, he elected to return to college for another year.

"When that first happened, the time it happened, it was extremely hard on me," Ransom admitted. "When you have so many goals and aspirations, you know, looking forward to, and then it doesn't go your way.

"(But) I wouldn't change that for anything. It helped me grow my faith with the Lord, and I felt that He has a plan, and this was His plan; came full circle for me to be a Panther, and I can't wait. I'm excited for what else He has in store for me."

While at Ohio State, Ransom also contributed heavily on special teams, including blocking two punts in 2022. The Buckeyes would even put in punt block schemes for the 6-1 210-pound defensive back.

"It's really just lay hands, low hands, that's what I remember in my head," Ransom said.

The blocked punt that sticks out to Ransom the most is also the play that best describes his play style anytime he steps on the field. As the Buckeyes faced Maryland in 2022, Ransom broke his thumb on the first play of the game. But that week, the team had specifically designed a block attempt for him, so he got a splint on the sideline and asked the coaches to send him back in. On the first drive of the third quarter, Ransom blocked a punt. Two players later, Ohio State scored on the short field.

"I blocked the punt with that same thumb," Ransom revealed. "So those are just examples of toughness, and I think that's why the coaches and staff at Ohio State respect me so much."

It's a toughness that showed up in every hard hit, for which Ransom became known.

"I just feel that I'm an enforcer and the tone setter. Every time I go out there and step on the field, I played the extreme, the big chip on my shoulder, man, and just try to set the tone on every chance I get.

"I'm extremely physical, and when I get a chance to make a big hit, I'm going to take that big hit."

Once he arrives in Charlotte, Ransom will step into a room that immediately will ask for an impact. The Panthers added Tre'von Moehrig in free agency this offseason, as well as re-signing Nick Scott. The group was rounded out by Demani Richardson, an undrafted free agent rookie in 2024 who earned a starting role by the end of the year.