Buckeyes offer a pair of 2022 defensive line prospects

Even though Ohio State’s 2022 class already has 10 commits, it’s still early on in the cycle. As the staff did in 2021, getting out to a fast start allows for strong relationships to be built, which has been one of the key deciding factors for their targets. Of course the on-field stuff and facilities matter, but what Ohio State can sell so well is that they’re the total package.

As the junior class becomes the major focus, there’s still prospects out there the Buckeyes are just getting a start on. With plenty of time before the 2022 group is official, it will be a great ride to see how this cycle plays out.

Buckeyes offer a pair of 2022 defensive line prospects

Yesterday showed the Buckeyes are continuing to evaluate new talent, as they offered two defensive end prospects in the 2022 class. A position that is always of need each year, Ohio State can continue to boast their incredible track record and arguably the best position coach in the country in Larry Johnson. When his recruiting chops are used he’s rarely beaten, and surely that trend will continue as the staff looks to add to their early top-ranked class.

Heading to the Sunshine State, the first prospect the Buckeyes offered was American Heritage product Marvin Jones Jr. A 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end, Ohio State may be a little late to the recruiting scene for Jones, as he already has an incredible 30 offers to his name from many of the best programs in the country. In addition to the long list of schools who covet his talents, Jones Jr. is currently ranked as the fifth-best weak-side defensive-end, the No. 9 player in Florida, and also the 70th-best player nationally in 2022.

Obviously deserving of his high four-star ranking, this Miami, Florida native is going to be tough to pull out of SEC country. But as stated, Larry Johnson surely will help with that potential battle. Fortunately, Ohio State has recruited in Miami very well in the past several years, so going back to a familiar area and program won’t be too tough for this staff.

In addition to offering Jones, the Buckeyes remained busy on the trail as they offered a second prospect just one state north of the Florida border in Georgia. Taking to his Twitter to show his excitement, Christen Miller is the next highly-touted athlete to be on the receiving end of an Ohio State offer. The nation’s 10th-best defensive tackle is also considered the No. 17 player in his home state and the 159th best player overall.

At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Miller already possesses the perfect frame for an elite caliber defensive tackle to clog the holes in the middle of the defensive line. Still, with a senior season yet to be played, odds are Miller will only further improve his recruiting stock with development of both his game and his physique. To his name currently, Miller boasts an impressive offer list of over 20 schools from programs such as Florida, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, and now Ohio State among many more.

Of course it’s early for these two defensive prospects after just being offered by the Buckeyes, but if Ohio State and the rest of college football is allowed to finally start hosting their recruits in the late Spring, odds are these are two guys the staff would love to get on campus. Thanks to the success the Buckeyes have on the defensive line every season, moving forward Ohio State will be a strong player for each of these talented prospects.

Quick Hits

• Miami, Florida native Julian Armella released a top seven schools list yesterday via his Twitter. The nation’s 14th-best offensive tackle in the 2022 class has nearly 40 offers to his name, but is now trimming his list to single digits. Making the cut for Armella included Alabama, Miami, LSU, Florida, Florida State, Clemson, and Ohio State. Currently, Florida State owns the single Crystal Ball prediction, but there’s plenty of time for the Buckeyes to make a strong push.

• 2022 offensive tackle prospect Ethan Green took to his Twitter yesterday to show that he had been in contact with Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa. An under-the-radar recruit, Green is an in-state product and currently ranked as the 67th-best at his position and the 23rd-best player in Ohio. While he mainly holds offers from MAC schools, the Buckeyes are at least in communication with Green. This could prove more of a depth piece later on if Ohio State looks to increase their interest level with the Fremont, Ohio native.