Caden Curry isn't the only addition to Ohio State's 2022 class on the eve of the early signing period.
2022 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) kicker Jayden Fielding also committed to Ohio State on Tuesday night, pledging to the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on.
COMMITTED #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/4qjgKPF7bY
— Jayden Fielding (@jayden_fielding) December 15, 2021
While Fielding will not be on scholarship initially, it’s possible he could earn one if he becomes the Buckeyes’ starting kicker in the future. It's not uncommon for Ohio State to recruit specialists as preferred walk-ons with the possibility of earning a scholarship down the line. Fielding visited Ohio State on Nov. 20 when OSU played Michigan State.
Noah Ruggles could be back for a second season as Ohio State’s starting kicker in 2022 if he decides to use his extra year of eligibility, but if he doesn't, the Buckeyes’ future of the position could be up in the air. Jake Seibert is also on scholarship with the Buckeyes, but he did not kick in a single game this year, while Dominic DiMaccio has just one more year of eligibility. The Buckeyes also have another preferred walk-on kicker on the roster in Garrison Smith.
Fielding becomes the first IMG Academy player to commit to Ohio State since Lejond Cavazos in 2020.
