A pair of 2021 defensive linemen have Ohio State in their top six

We here at LGHL would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season to you and yours. Hopefully all of Buckeye Nation will receive the greatest present of them all with a win on Saturday, but I guess spending some time with family and friends on Wednesday will have to do for now.

Speaking of which, the Ohio State family is always looking to grow, as the recruiting trail does not stop for the holidays. Luckily, the Buckeyes rarely get coal for Christmas, and amongst all the gift-giving received some positive news from a few top tier prospects on Tuesday.

Five-star SDE puts Ohio State in top six

Yesterday’s recruiting piece talked a little about five-star defensive end Tunmise Adeleye setting his commitment date, which is still scheduled for Aug. 1. Well, the 6-foot-3, 260 pound d-lineman took things a bit further on Tuesday when he put out his top six schools, with Ohio State making the cut for the Texas product. Also included on his short list are Alabama, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

Adeleye is the No. 3 SDE in the 2021 class, and the No. 26 overall recruit in the country. He is certainly a player that should be high on Ryan Day’s radar, especially given the success Ohio State has had with both players from the state of Texas and their propensity to haul in some of the nation’s best defensive line prospects. OSU already has a five-star DE commitment in the class in Jack Sawyer, who is ranked one spot ahead of Adeleye, but you can never get too greedy when it comes to recruiting.

This is some of what 247sports has to say about Adeleye’s game:

Plays with good pad level and leverage. Strong tackler. Active, violent hands, but still learning how to use them. Can be more consistent in get-off quickness. Can also improve body control, particularly in pursuit. Potentially position- and scheme-versatile defensive lineman who could fit multiple roles and fronts. Legitimate high-major recruit with long-term potential to reach top half of the NFL draft.

Ohio State makes the short list for four-star DT

Adeleye wasn’t the only defensive lineman thinking about Ohio State on Christmas Eve, as four-star defensive tackle Taizse Johnson also put out a top six featuring the Buckeyes. The Washington D.C. native also listed Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Texas A&M and South Carolina among the schools that made the cut.

Johnson is the No. 13 DT in the country and the No. 2 player out of D.C. in the 2021 class. The 6-foot-1, 290 pound interior lineman possesses both three-tech and nose guard capabilities, while also being able to function in both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. With 12 offers currently on the table for his services, he most recently made an unofficial visit to Ohio State on July 27 of this year.

Still a ways out from making his final decision, there are no crystal ball predictions for Johnson at this time.

Quick Hits

• If you haven’t been following Gee Scott Jr. and the unique relationship he has formed with a homeless die-hard Buckeye fan named Jerry, it is a truly heartwarming story. The four-star receiver added another chapter on Tuesday, visiting Jerry and bringing him a Christmas present as well as sharing some kind words on his Twitter page.

It is clear that Ohio State is not only getting a fantastic wide receiver in Scott Jr., but also a wonderful human being. Is someone cutting onions in here?