The future stars of Ohio State football officially begin their college careers, as standouts from all over the country put pens to their National Letters of Intent.
The Buckeyes are slated to lose two starters along the offensive line, and it certainly won't be easy replacing Jamarco Jones and Rimington winner Billy Price. Ohio State does have some talented youngsters, but bolstering the trenches is a must for the Class of 2018. The addition of one of America's most versatile lineman certainly makes things a bit easier for Greg Sturdrawa and Co.
The Jones File
- Class: 2018
- Size: 6-foot-4, 300 pounds
- Pos: OL/DT
- School: Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: 1 (Center)
Brooklyn's Erasmus Hall High School has been good to the Ohio State staff. In recent years, the Buckeyes have brought in talent in the form of Curtis Samuel and Jahsen Wint. Matthew Jones, the country's No. 55 overall prospect, is the next to make his way to Columbus.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder had a relatively quiet recruitment, and really the biggest question mark all along has involved his ultimate position at the next level. Long thought to be a Buckeye lean, programs like Clemson and Penn State likely rounded out his top three while Alabama and the rest of the national powers all had extended offers.
For the longest time it seemed as though the question was simply when the New Yorker would pull the trigger for the Buckeyes. That time came this past June when Jones made the trip to Columbus with several family members and coaches from Erasmus Hall. Urban Meyer has made his presence felt in Brooklyn, and that relationship and overall familiarity with the Ohio Staff certainly helped pave the way.
Jones lined up all over the trenches for Dutchmen and his position has fluctuated a bit on the various recruiting outlets. He's been listed as a defensive tackle, guard, and currently checks in as the country's No. 1 center prospect on 247 Sports. He certainly has the size to line up on either side of the ball, and that may very well allow the Buckeyes to take some time and see exactly how he develops. However, right now it looks like his future will be along the offensive line.
#BUCKEYE Student Athlete pic.twitter.com/7PKylYjAgn
— Matt Jones (@GrindTime55) August 2, 2017
While the Buckeyes do have some depth along the interior portion of the line, a lot of that talent is unproven. Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers were brought in this past cycle, and both project as interior linemen. Following redshirt seasons, they both should be in the mix in 2018. Jack Wohlabaugh and Gavin Cupp will both be redshirt sophomores next year, but neither of the Ohio natives have been asked to do a whole lot thus far.
Right now it looks like the most likely scenario has Brady Taylor taking over at center with Michael Jordan and either Demetrius Knox or Matthew Burrell holding things down at guard. Branden Bowen was in line for significant playing time before suffering his injury, so he too will be a factor next year; whether it be at guard or tackle.
So what does it mean for Matthew Jones? It means that a redshirt season is certainly in the cards, but a lot of that may depend on how Taylor settles in at center. If there are question marks at the position, then Jones may very well have a chance to get into the two deep as a true freshman.
The versatility is something to be excited about, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Greg Studrawa and Larry Johnson are both lobbying to get Jones into their respective rooms.
