With National Signing Day 2018 just weeks away, we look at the five most important commits in the Ohio State recruiting class.
The 2018 Ohio State recruiting class was ranked No. 1 overall in the 2018 college football recruiting rankings in the 247Sports Composite for almost a full year. And though a few defections ahead of the early signing period, coupled with a huge haul of talent at Georgia, knocked the Buckeyes out of the top spot, there will be no shortage of talent headed to Columbus this year. Here are five important names to know:
5. Tyreke Smith, Defensive end
Few positions on the Ohio State roster will see as much turnover as defensive end in 2018. Starters Tyquan Lewis (graduation) and Sam Hubbard (NFL Draft) are gone, as is backup Jalyn Holmes (graduation). Together, the trio combined for 16 sacks.
That loss of experience and production should create an opportunity for newcomers to work themselves into the rotation at defensive end early in 2018. Tyreke Smith could take advantage of such an opening. Ranked No. 56 overall in the 247Sports Composite, and fourth nationally among weak-side defensive ends, Smith has the size (6-foot-4, 252 pounds) play right away. He has good hands, and though he must improve his technique as a pass rusher, he has enough skill to play right away.
4. Matthew Jones, Center
NFL scouts have been raving about Billy Price, who leaves Ohio State as one of the top center prospects in recent memory. Rising senior Brady Taylor was listed No. 2 on the Buckeyes depth chart at center, and he will have the first crack at replacing Price, but the long-term option is Matthew Jones.
Jones, who is listed as a tackle by some recruiting services, is the No. 1 center in the country according to the 247Sports Composite. The four-star recruit is ranked No. 61 overall, and ranks second among high school prospects out of New York. Jones has all the tools to be a longtime starter at center for the Buckeyes, including light feet and quickness at the point of attack for a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder.
3. Jaelen Gill, All-purpose back
The Buckeyes are set at running back for 2018, as J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber form arguably the best duo in the country. However, all-purpose back Jaelen Gill – the No. 2 all-purpose back in the 247Sports Composite, and at No. 30 overall just barely outside the five-star cutoff point — is dynamic enough to force his way onto the field in some capacity.
At 6-foot-1 and 182 pounds, Gill is built like a receiver, and he has the ball skills to contribute there. And with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time, he has the speed to go to the house any time he touches the football. Expect Ohio State to create opportunities for Gill on offense, as well as special teams as soon as he arrives on campus this summer.
2. Taron Vincent, Defensive tackle
Ohio State signed three interior defensive linemen during the early signing period, and have a fourth committed to sign in February. Two, four-star Tommy Togiai from Idaho and junior college signee Antwuan Jackson, Jr., are already enrolled and will have an opportunity to compete for playing time this spring and summer. However, the most talented of the bunch, five-star standout Taron Vincent, will have plenty of time this fall to play his way into the rotation.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, Vincent has some work to do in the weight room to become an every-down run-stopper at defensive tackle. However, he plays with power and leverage and has elite athleticism for the position, which are two big reasons why he ranked second among interior defensive line prospects and No. 18 overall.
1. Tyreke Johnson, Safety
As always (or so it seems), Ohio State must replace multiple starters in the secondary. This year, senior safety Damon Webb and junior corner Denzel Ward are out, with backup Erick Smith also out of eligibility. And, as always, multiple talented Buckeyes recruits are on their way, some of who will earn playing time as true freshmen.
Next: Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ohio State No. 5
Tyreke Johnson tops the list this year. A 6-foot-1, 191-pound five-star safety from Jacksonville, Johnson is already enrolled at Ohio State and will compete for playing time early. As the top-ranked safety prospect in the country, Johnson has the skill set to contribute from Day 1, including elite speed for the position (he’s athletic enough to play corner in college when necessary), as well as the physicality desired. Simply put, Johnson is a playmaker, and we’re likely to hear his name often in 2018 and beyond.