Despite Some Misses, The 2024 Ohio State Recruiting Class On Defense Rounded Out Nicely With A Few Future Stars.
National Signing Day has passed, though it was not as thrilling as in previous years due to the early signing period. Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class ranked among the top five nationally.
For the first time since 2019, the Buckeyes did not finish in first place in the Big Ten, with Oregon taking the top spot. Given that Ohio State prioritized quality over quantity, they secured the commitments of 22 players, the fewest among the top five classes. According to 247Sports, Ohio State had the third-best average ranking per athlete, after just Georgia and Alabama. After Nick Saban’s retirement, some Alabama players signed but transferred out.
Let’s look at the 10 scholarship defensive commits from Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class. This only includes entering freshmen, not those that transferred in (e.g. Caleb Downs). The italicized names represent early enrollment.
Looking at the 2024 Ohio State Recruiting Class: Defense
Defensive Line
Eddrick Houston
Hiring Eddrick Houston was a challenging process. Ohio State was first criticized for speculations around defensive line coach Larry Johnson’s retirement. Johnson reportedly informed Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer that he would be in Columbus for their entire careers. Despite rumors and unfavorable recruitment, Houston chose Ohio State over Alabama and Clemson.
Houston has huge expectations as the top defensive commit. As a composite five-star talent, Houston will be hoping for early playing time. He did, however, emphasize the importance of his personal development.
He is an excellent athlete for his stature (six-foot-three, 270 pounds, unconfirmed) and possesses all of the tools coaches seek for. Houston has positional versatility, so even if he does not make an impact in 2024, he will be given a chance in 2025, when the Buckeyes will most likely need to replace their entire defensive line.
Eric Mensah
If there was going to be a year where Ohio State could afford to take a few more projects, it would be 2024. The defensive tackle from Virginia looks like a high-upside project for Johnson.
Eric Mensah was a four-year starter at Mountain View High School and was originally a Virginia Tech commit. He caught Johnson’s eye at an Ohio State camp and the opportunity to be developed in a program like the Buckeyes was too good to pass up.
He had a strong motor and rapid get-off at the line, and he was able to connect the running lanes in the interior. Tyleik Williams’ rapid response as an interior defender has been important in the Buckeyes’ success. Mensah, like Houston, will spend most of his time developing rather than playing. However, it will be intriguing to see if he can make an influence by 2025 and beyond.
Dominic Kirks
During National Signing Day for the 2024 Ohio State recruiting class, only one signee, Dominic Kirks, switched from Washington to his home state school. Kirks comes to Ohio State from Painesville, Ohio, and chose to transfer after Washington’s head coach left.
Following Justin Scott’s transfer to Miami (FL) and rumors surrounding Houston, Ohio State’s defensive line recruiting suffered. With the addition of Kirks, the class is now well-rounded.
Kirks, as a prospect, was a former basketball player who got better and better each year. He has good size for an Ohio State edge rusher and is already pretty polished as a pass rusher. Once he adds a little more size, he can be the latest in a long line of NFL-ready defensive ends.
In just seven games as a senior, Kirks amassed 43 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He has the potential to grow into a real impact player.
Linebackers
Payton Pierce
The Buckeyes dipped into Texas for another elite defender and came away with one of the top linebackers in the class. Payton Pierce was considered a top-16 linebacker in the nation and he showed why with 181 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and even added a pair of blocked kicks. On offense, Pierce scored 11 touchdowns.
Ohio State’s defense has lacked a true game-changer at linebacker for some time. The 2024 corps will likely be settled going into Spring practice, so Pierce gets to develop behind some veterans. He has a great nose for the football, evident by the nearly 200 tackles in 14 games. His athleticism will be a great foundation for Jim Knowles to build upon.
Garrett Stover
Just like with another star ‘tweener the Buckeyes locked down a few years ago in Sonny Styles, Garrett Stover comes to Columbus with top-20 acumen. Stover was a hard-hitting, downhill linebacker from Walnut Hills in Ohio and was a top-six player in the state. Reportedly, he is going to stick at linebacker despite being listed as a safety on recruiting sites.
As the cousin of Cade Stover, there will be high expectations. The new Stover has a sideline-to-sideline range and will likely look to get as many special teams reps as possible in 2024.
Cornerbacks
Aaron Scott
Ohio State’s secondary, led by top recruit Aaron Scott, has consistently produced impressive results. Scott, a top-five cornerback in the nation, has the potential to have an impact comparable to Jermaine Matthews as a true freshman at Ohio State.
Scott’s pledge was one of the most spectacular and cathartic. He was at the table with hats and backpacks for all of the conceivable schools, which he wore and then discarded, including Ohio State’s. He finally “settled” on a Michigan rucksack and unzipped it, revealing an Ohio State jersey.
Scott is a sticky, physical corner who plays bigger than he actually is. He has impressive instincts and ball skills and, while stepping into a veteran-laden room, can challenge to be one of the first guys off the bench.
Bryce West
Another four-star player on the way to Ohio State, Bryce West is another physical corner who has a high ceiling. And, like Scott, West is home-grown.
West’s defensive scheme in high school was primarily man coverage. So, he’s had to match up one-on-one with receivers up and down Glenville’s schedule. He’s the latest in a long line of Glenville-to-Ohio State pipeline.
West is a multi-sport athlete but the most impressive stat is the fact that he did not allow a single touchdown in coverage as a junior en route to a state title.
Miles Lockhart
Finally, the third of three elite corner recruits comes from Arizona. Miles Lockhart was a later win for Tim Walton‘s secondary and is no slouch despite being rated lower than the other two.
In his recruitment, Lockhart knew where he wanted to go the second that Ohio State offer came in. For a player from Ohio or a buried three-star recruit who only has Group of 5 offers, it makes sense. For a four-star corner in Arizona with numerous Power 4 offers, Lockhart really wanted to be a Buckeye.
He projects as more of a slot corner, according to his quotes leading up to National Signing Day. With that position currently being occupied by a few solid veterans, Lockhart will have time to develop and make an impact down the line.
Safeties
Jaylen McClain
The top safety in Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class is a top-50 performer at his position.Jaylen McClain chose Ohio State over Michigan, Notre Dame, and Georgia, among others. The four-star safety offers positional flexibility, as he can play outside corner or nickel.
McClain is an all-around athlete who excelled in track in high school. He has enough speed to keep up with the best receivers. He can also come downhill to help with the run game.According to 247Sports, he is a forceful tackler who can provide a competitive edge. With the safety spots secured by a veteran on one side and one of the best defensive players in the nation on the other, McClain has no rush to get onto the field.
Leroy Roker
Leroy Roker, who was recruited from Florida, is set to join Ohio State as the second safety in the class. He’s a lesser three-star recruit, but may the Buckeyes have uncovered a hidden gem?
Like McClain, Roker is a multi-sport athlete. At Bishop Verot, he participated in basketball and track. He did transfer high schools. And he came onto the spotlight with a 70-yard touchdown reception and two interceptions. He also played running back, so he’s not afraid to dole out some blows.
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