Four-star defensive end includes Ohio State in top 13

Welcome back to State Secrets, where we update you on all the goings-on in the big wide (very successful) world that is Ohio State recruiting. In today’s rundown, we have a 2021 defensive end putting Ohio State in his top schools list, an official visit announcement, positive words from a highly ranked 2022 cornerback, and the latest big man scholarship offer from Chris Holtmann & Co.

Four-star defensive end Shambre Jackson of Orlando (Fla.) Boone announced his top 13 schools via Twitter on Wednesday. The No. 217 overall prospect and No. 15 strong-side defensive end, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, has narrowed his choices to Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

While Jackson has hinted at Auburn as one of his top choices after he visited them in February— there still aren’t any 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions on where he’ll end up — he did have a lot of positive things to say about Ohio State when our own Charles Doss caught up with him earlier today.

“Ohio State made the list because they produce NFL talent at my position and the culture of Ohio State is amazing,” Jackson told LGHL. “[I talk the most with] Larry Johnson and they say I can come here and make it to the league. [When I think of] Ohio State I think about championship football.”

The 6-foot-4, 243-pound four-star would certainly be yet another BOOM for Ohio State in the 2021 class. Here’s what 247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Gregg Biggins wrote in his most recent evaluation of Jackson:

“Versatile lineman with the ability to line up at multiple spots on the defensive line. Has the frame to even bulk up and play some three-tech but likely projects best as a 3-4 or even 4-3 defensive end. High motor player who pursues to the football and makes plays outside his area. Is physically strong and holds up well at the point of attack. Does a nice job holding the edge and can get a push up the field. Very good run defender and shows upside as a pass rusher. Can improve his get off and ability to bend and get back to the quarterback. Projects as an impact upper tier Power 5 starter and future high round NFL draft pick.”

The No. 11 offensive guard and the No. 1 prospect out of the state of Kentucky for the class of 2021, Jager Burton, announced via Twitter that he will make his official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of June 12.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 271-pounds, Burton has a long list of offers from other programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, UK and Oregon. However, per 247Sports’ Crystal Ball, he is predicted (100%) to choose Columbus as his new home.

Here’s what 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu had to say about Burton:

Powerfully built player who has spent a lot of time in the weight room. Explosive player who gets into the second level and runs well at his size. Strong and easily knocks defenders off balance. When asked to pull, he does it with great effort. Solid in pass protection. He has a good punch and good feet, he just needs a little technical refinement there. Plays tackle in high school but will move inside in college. Should be a highly productive college guard but could play center as well. He will come into a school ready to compete as far as functional strength. Would be a surprise if he did not start multiple years and have an opportunity to play beyond college.

Jaheim Singletary, a cornerback for the class of 2022, received a five-star ranking on Rivals.com on Tuesday, not long after he referred to Ohio State as “DBU” during an interview with Bucknuts.

While still a four-star on 247Sports, he’s listed as the No. 3 cornerback in the country and is quoted saying Ohio State and Coach Kerry Coombs are key in getting him to the NFL, referencing Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple, and Malik Hooker, and said he’s just waiting for Ohio State to “make it official with an offer.”

Quick Hits

• Ohio State junior forward Kaleb Wesson declared for the draft on Wednesday, meaning Chris Holtmann and his staff are looking for their next (big) man up. While the answer most readily lies in a healthy Kyle Young or E.J. Liddell, they most recently offered Micawber Etienne, 6-foot-10, 220-pound four-star center out of Suffield Academy (CT). Etienne is the class of 2021’s No. 11 ranked center, and the No. 1 recruit in Connecticut, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.