Ohio State looks to stay in touch with four-star Texas lineman

You usually don’t become a national championship contender year-in-and-year-out if you’re not searching high and low for talent to bring into the fold. While the Ohio State football staff might not be able to play host to prospects on campus at the moment, the Buckeye leaders are definitely still working hard making sure the future in Columbus stays bright.

Landing numerous verbal commitments, and dishing out a long list of offers since the coronavirus outbreak across the country, four-star class of 2022 offensive tackle Jaylen Early is one of the recruits to recently earn a scholarship offer from Ohio State.

Some recruits have learned of their opportunity with the Buckeyes from their high school coaches, but not Early. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Duncanville, Texas native received the news from one of Ohio State’s assistants.

“I had a conversation with Coach Dennis and he told me [about the offer]. Coach [Corey] Dennis told me over the phone and he said he would like to talk to me twice a week to talk about pass protection,” Early told Land-Grant Holy Land.

One of the hottest recruits in the junior class at the moment, Early has watched his recruitment skyrocket in the last few weeks. Now closing in on double-digit offers, Arizona State, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Washington State are just some a few of the schools Ohio State finds themselves up against for offensive tackles’ services.

Just starting to think things over and dig deep into different college programs and what they can offer him away from the field, Early is more than thankful for his chance to don the Scarlet and Gray, but isn’t ready to jump on board and shut down his recruitment just yet. He has plans.

“Ohio State is a big deal but it’s too early for me to start ranking them. I’m just enjoying the moment and learning as much as I can about recruiting. I would like to visit Ohio State and every school that has offered me if it’s possible.” Early said. “Ohio State has been good for a long time. They have one of the best teams in the nation. I’m looking for a program that can make me a great player and feels like family. I like when coaches and players can hangout outside of campus [before I commit to a program],” he added.

More than likely in line for a boost in the rankings in the very near future, Early is currently considered the No. 20 offensive tackle, and 224th overall prospect in the entire class of 2022, according to 247Sports.

Want to see what Jaylen Early could potentially add to the Buckeyes offensive front? I bet you do. Check out the All-District selection in action from last season:

Quick Hits:

• Four-star inside linebacker and class of 2021 OSU verbal pledge Reid Carrico has been invited to participate in the prestigious All-American Bowl. Played in January live on ABC, the Ironton product could join fellow future Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord and offensive lineman Donovan Jackson in San Antonio if he decides to participate in the annual event.
• Chris Holtmann and the basketball Buckeyes landed a commitment from Utah State graduate transfer Abel Porter on Friday afternoon. The 6-foot-3 Porter, who averaged five points and three assists per contest last season, is the third transfer to land on the Buckeyes’ roster this offseason, joining former Harvard forward Seth Towns and Bucknell guard Jimmy Sotos.