Four-star DE Kenyatta Jackson to begin Ohio State official visit today

While the Buckeyes are set to host numerous prospects on Thursday for their significant cookout event, they are expecting yet another chance to impress one of the best defenders in the 2022 class later today.

Jackson on-campus again

After welcoming 2022 four-star EDGE Kenyatta Jackson of Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL) for an official visit to campus last month, Ohio State and defensive line coach Larry Johnson will get another opportunity to make an impact on the highly-touted Floridian starting today.

With Alabama and Oklahoma also in the mix, it’s a positive development that the Buckeyes are getting Jackson back for another visit, but even more positive that the visit is on the Jackson family’s own dime. But in the end, will it be enough for the Scarlet and Gray to bring him on board to the No. 1 ranked class?

Jackson comes in slotted as the 76th best overall player in this year’s recruiting class. He also is pegged as the seventh highest graded EDGE defender and the 11th best player in the state of Florida. One thing that the Buckeyes have as a possible advantage in this battle is Jackson being teammates with four-star cornerback Ryan Turner — a current Ohio State pledge since May.

Miller down to four

Another name that the Buckeyes are tracking in the 2022 class along the defensive front is four-star defensive lineman Christen Miller of Cedar Grove (GA). After dropping an offer to the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder back in February, the university was rewarded for their efforts by the 119th overall prospect on Tuesday when he narrowed things down to four schools.

Ohio State will have to supplant the likes of Georgia, Oregon, and USC for the Top 15 Peach State prospect. However, despite the Buckeyes being included in the top group, the general feeling is that the Trojans are well-positioned and likely the leader in the clubhouse.

Gosnell backs off pledge

While the Buckeyes garnered some positive news on the recruiting trail yesterday, the class did take a hit last night when four-star tight end Benji Gosnell of East Surry (NC) announced his decommitment from Ohio State.

Gosnell, the No. 13 ranked player at his position, had been committed to Ohio State since November. It’s unclear as to what made Gosnell ultimately come to the decision to back off of his pledge. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes still claim the top spot in the national recruiting rankings.

As for what is next for Gosnell, he will likely sift through an assortment of offers that he had previously including programs like Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and more.

Quick Hits

• Ohio State Head Coach Chris Holtmann revealed on Tuesday that 2021 five-star defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau is “a ways away” from hopping on the hardwood. The hoops coach added that conversations with Ryan Day will happen regarding the potential of the Eastside Catholic (WA) standout being a dual-sport player.
• Holtmann also shared that 2021 three-star forward Kalen Etzler, who signed with the program back in November, will be redshirting this season. The decision is non-injury related and was relayed to the Crestview (OH) prospect during his recruitment.
• According to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, 2022 four-star center Tarris Reed of Link Year Prep (MO) will be making his collegiate declaration on August 5th. Ohio State was considered a finalist, but it is worth nothing that the Buckeyes just received a commitment from high four-star center Felix Okpara at the same position on Monday. Currently, arch-rival Michigan is the favorite to land Reed.