Ohio State fans have been spoiled with top-ranked recruiting classes lately, but there have been a few areas that have raised some eyebrows. Some viewed offensive line recruiting as a problem for a while, but those concerns were primarily back in the early stages of the Urban Meyer era. Specifically, they seemed to revolve around the 2012 and 2013 classes; classes that saw players like Taylor Decker and Pat Elflein sign with the Buckeyes. To be fair, though, there were some pretty big misses during that time; whether it was top targets signing elsewhere or simply players that didn't pan out.
Lately, the concerns have shifted a bit toward the other side of the ball as some of the recent defensive tackle signees haven't had the star power of other position groups. Obviously Larry Johnson knows what he's doing and is arguably the best defensive line coach in America—especially when it comes to developing talent—but fans of the recruiting process typically like seeing four or five little stars next to a prospect's name.
With Malik Barrow already in the fold for 2016, the Buckeyes continue to focus on one primary target: Georgia standout Antwuan Jackson. Looking even further ahead to 2017, there are a number of highly-touted defensive tackles to keep a close eye on.
JERRON CAGE • CINCINNATI, OH (WINTON WOODS) • COMPOSITE RANKING: No. 206
On July 21, Jerron Cage committed to Ohio State. He's included on this list because his recruitment seems like it could be an interesting ride up to signing day. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound junior is the younger brother of 2014 Notre Dame signee Daniel Cage. Despite the Irish extending an offer in September, the younger Cage is saying all the right things about his status and relationship with the Buckeyes' coaching staff. From a recent interview with Rivals.com's Ryan Donnelly ($$):
"Committing really slowed down the recruiting process and it allows me to get to build better relationships with the coaches at Ohio State, as well as building connections with the guys I'll be playing with. I'm really, really close with coach Johnson and I'm really close with coach Coombs too."
Any time a family member is involved like this, it's probably worth paying attention to. Jerron visited Notre Dame a few weeks ago and we can expect more trips to South Bend over the next year or so. The difficult thing to decipher may be whether these are merely opportunities to see the big brother or if there's any other cause for concern.
DARNELL EWELL • NORFOLK, VA (LAKE TAYLOR) • COMPOSITE RANKING: No. 136
We touched on Ewell a few weeks back, but as one of the top defensive tackles on the Buckeyes' 2017 board, he's worth mentioning again. Lake Taylor has been good to Ohio State lately with Jalyn Holmes and 2016 pledge Wayne Davis. Zach Smith has become a familiar visitor in Norfolk and his presence has put the Buckeyes atop Ewell's list.
This recruitment still has a long way to go, but right now it looks like the Buckeyes will definitely have to fend off schools like Penn State and Virginia Tech. The top programs in the SEC have also extended offers and they can't be counted out either.
DONOVAN JETER • BEAVER FALLS, PA • COMPOSITE RANKING: No. 247
Shortly after Cage made his announcement, the Buckeyes were back on the trail as they extended an offer to Pennsylvania's Donovan Jeter. The four-star brings the versatility that Meyer and Johnson covet along the defensive line. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Jeter is being recruited by some schools as more of a strongside defensive end. With over a year left to put on some weight, the expectation is that he will play on the inside at the next level.
Extremely blessed to get my 11th offer from THE DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPS Of Ohio State #BuckeyeNation
— 5God (@JeteNificent34) July 28, 2015
While Jeter doesn't appear close to making a decision, schools like Pittsburgh, Penn State and Ohio State seem to be toward the top of his list. Donovan's older brother Sheldon is a forward on the Pitt Panthers basketball team.
CAM SPENCE • BRADENTON, FL (IMG ACADEMY) • COMPOSITE RANKING: No. 157
The Buckeyes continue to focus on one of the nation's premier programs as IMG Academy is currently home to three of the nation's top defensive tackles. The aforementioned Barrow is already a member of the Buckeyes 2016 class, five-star Shavar Manuel seems to be going back and forth between Florida State and LSU and Cam Spence is a part of the next wave for 2017.
Last spring, Spence indicated that the Buckeyes were at the top of his list. Since then, Penn State has risen to the top. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound tackle grew up in Baltimore and is friends with 2016 Penn State commit Ellison Jordan. Spence has discussed the possibility of playing alongside his friend and fellow defensive tackle, but also hasn't been shy about his interest in Ohio State.
Had A Great visit @TheOhioStateUniversity @OSUCoachMeyer @Osurushmen1 #OSU #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/wXmwhLM0fd
— Cam Spence (@Only1CamSpence) April 2, 2015
When it comes to the Buckeyes, he's very familiar with Johnson and all of his Maryland connections. Spence is planning on taking multiple visits this fall/winter, including trips to Ohio State, Penn State, and a number of Florida schools. He's not planning on making a decision until his senior year.
AUBREY SOLOMON • LEESBURG, GEORGIA (LEE COUNTY) • COMPOSITE RANKING: No. 115
The nation's eighth-ranked defensive tackle isn't a name we've talked much about. At this point, Aubrey Solomon doesn't even have an offer from the Buckeyes. However, it's impossible to ignore how much time and effort Meyer and Co. have been putting into the state of Georgia. Isaiah Pryor is already committed and Richard LeCounte certainly appears to be an Ohio State-Georgia battle. This just feels like it could be one to watch.
The Buckeyes have had some recent success in Leesburg, signing Steven Collier back in 2014. Solomon isn't looking to make a decision anytime soon and will definitely be a tough pull from SEC territory. He recently identified Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn as some of his top schools.
