Ohio State's defensive line haul is almost certainly going to be the headliner of its 2018 recruiting class. The group of defensive ends that the Buckeyes are going to sign will likely be the top unit in America, and that is great news considering the exodus that will take place following the upcoming season.
We've talked a lot about the names to know at the position, but it's becoming more and more apparent that something is going to have to give. The Buckeyes currently have two defensive ends committed and are likely the team to beat for two or three others.
The expectation is that Larry Johnson will bring in as many six or seven new linemen (total) for the 2018 class, but five defensive ends may be pushing it; even with what is expected to be a bigger signing day haul
| Prospect | Measurables | Rating | Nat. Rank | Status/Considering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICAH PARSONS | 6-foot-3, 235 pounds | ★★★★★ | No. 5 | OSU, PSU, Georgia, Bama, FSU |
| BRENTON COX | 6-foot-5, 247 pounds | ★★★★★ | No. 19 | Ohio State Commit |
| TYREKE SMITH | 6-foot-3, 260 pounds | ★★★★ | No. 70 | Ohio State, Penn State |
| JAYSON OWEH | 6-foot-5, 236 pounds | ★★★★ | No. 165 | Ohio State, Penn State |
| ANDREW CHATFIELD | 6-foot-2, 221 pounds | ★★★★ | No. 299 | Ohio State Commit |
There were a few interesting developments this weekend. Four-star edge rusher Jayson Oweh made it to Friday Night Lights for what is expected to be his last visit before a decision that could come anytime within the next month. He visited South Bend on Thursday, but at this point it would be a surprise if he ended up anywhere other than Ohio State or Penn State.
I honestly think that Oweh's decision is still very much up in the air. Penn State has been in this one a bit longer and is closer to his hometown of Blairstown, New Jersey. A positive for the Ohio State side has to be his fondness of Larry Johnson. Oweh has been gushing over the Buckeyes' defensive line coach ever since his first visit in June and has constantly talked about going somewhere that is known for developing its linemen.
An even more intriguing weekend development went down in Florida as four-star Buckeye commit Andrew Chatfield was in attendance in Gainesville this weekend. The Gators held their own version of Friday Night Lights (thanks for that, Urban) with Chatfield on hand and – even more importantly – he would go on to earn an offer from Jim McElwain.
The American Heritage pass rusher has been a Buckeye pledge since June 1, but his commitment didn't come without its share of questions. Many had wondered about Ohio State accepting the commitment with the plethora of defensive end talent still on the market. Further, it was a bit curious since – at the time – none of the big three Florida programs had extended offers.
Prospects can obviously take visits for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's just to check out another campus while other times it's more with the hope of earning an offer. Since the Gator interest has picked up, he has been very pro-Florida on social media. Maybe that's something to read into or maybe it's just the typical post-visit excitement.
Chatfield checks in as the lowest-rated defensive line commit, but more importantly, it's just a bit of a strange fit for what Ohio State does on defense. At 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, he looks like he could be a better fit as more of a 3-4 outside linebacker. There's no doubt that he's an extremely talented pass rusher in high school, but his future just seems much different than the other guys the Buckeyes have targeted at defensive end.
We've been saying it for a while now, but the Chatfield recruitment continues to be one to watch closely.
Micah Parsons and Jayson Oweh running through defensive drills right now. Them plus Brenton Cox and Tyreke Smith would be terrifying.
— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) July 21, 2017
There's not a whole lot of news to report on Tyreke Smith and Micah Parsons. Smith is currently in California checking out some West Coast programs, but his recruitment will likely come down to the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. The Cleveland standout is hoping to make a decision by the end of the summer. Ohio State continues to be the overwhelming crystal ball favorite. He remains a candidate to ultimately slide inside to tackle.
Parsons was in Columbus on Friday and continues to show exactly why he's one of the country's top prospects regardless of position. He's been working out at a number of different spots – including wide receiver and tight end – and is clearly one of America's more freakish athletes. It's no surprise, but Larry Johnson has been all over the Harrisburg product as well.
Interestingly, the five-star is another player who may be best suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker. But given his athleticism, there's no doubt Ohio State would be able to utilize his rare skill set—perhaps as a Noah Spence type of player.
So, how is this all going to turn out? There are a ton of moving parts to keep an eye on. Brenton Cox appears to be completely solid, and Tyreke Smith is a safe bet to join Ohio State's class in the next month or two. The Oweh decision really could go either way, but right now we are slightly leaning toward the Buckeyes as the favorite. Parsons seems to be in no hurry and Ohio State remains right at the top of his list.
Don't be surprised to see some more developments with Andrew Chatfield in the meantime as his status seems a bit unclear. A Miami offer could really shake things up, but right now this one is probably trending toward him staying in the Sunshine State.
With the Oweh and Smith decisions both looming, we should have a bit of a clearer picture by the end of summer. Still, it would be a surprise if Ohio State is able to take all five of the talented defenders.
