Ohio State still in the mix for five-star defensive tackle

From the likes of former Buckeyes such as Dan Wilkinson and Cameron Heyward to Davon Hamilton, Ohio State has a tradition of sending interior defensive linemen to the NFL. Still well over a year away from signing with a college program, a five-star junior is considering following of the footsteps of the aforementioned professionals and chase down quarterbacks in the Scarlet and Gray.

Travis Shaw, the No. 2 defensive tackle and No. 6 overall prospect in the entire class of 2022, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, is now taking a closer look at a baker’s dozen of programs. Trimming things down from over 25 college scholarship offers, the 6-foot-5 310-pound North Carolina native could end up at either Ohio State, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia Tech when he signs on the dotted line.

A big time player for Grimsley High, Shaw seems to always find himself around the ball. Handing out headaches to nearly every offensive coordinator the Whirlies go up against, the standout accounted for over 105 total tackles and 12 quarterback sacks from his defensive line spot as a sophomore last season.

Projected as a second round NFL Draft pick at the moment, recruiting analyst Charles Power had the following to say on how Travis Shaw’s skill set translate to the college level.

“Has a large, wide-hipped build with a thick lower half. Already holds over 300 pounds in the offseason prior to his junior year. Will need to guard against getting too heavy over the final two years of his high school career. Light-footed athlete and makes a variety of impressive plays while lining up at defensive end and on the interior. Shows the ability to bend and sink his hips on contact and has the strength to forklift opposing offensive linemen into the backfield. Also shows the speed to track down plays in pursuit. Flashes some unique athleticism as a standup edge rusher at over 300 pounds. Plays fast and has quick recognition skills. Ultimate ceiling as a prospect may be determined by how he continues to progress physically throughout high school but has displayed a high floor due to his already projectable size and skills. Projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Five level with the upside to develop into an early round NFL Draft selection.”

Want to see Travis Shaw in action for yourself? See what he could potentially add to the Buckeyes defensive front with these highlights of him as a sophomore.