One of the fastest-rising linebackers in the 2024 class was impressed with what he saw during his Ohio State visit in early March.
Four-star North Carolina prospect Cayden Jones took his second-ever visit to Columbus on March 8 when OSU first started spring practice, the first coming last summer after he camped with the Buckeyes.
“My visit was awesome,” Jones said. “It was very nice to see the first practice of the spring. It was cool to see how the practice was scheduled and how fast-paced it was.
“The coaching staff was awesome. I got a chance to hear the strength coach’s panel. Their strength and conditioning program is awesome. I had already known some stuff about the school from my previous visit, but it was nice to hear it from the new coaching staff.”
Jones was invited to visit OSU by offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Kevin Wilson, who has been his primary recruiter thus far.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Jones is the 131st-best prospect nationally and the 12th-best linebacker in the 2024 class. He currently has 13 Division I offers, including Notre Dame, Tennessee and Oklahoma, but does not hold one from OSU yet. Should that offer from the Buckeyes arrive eventually, Jones would relish it.
“It would mean the world,” Jones said of potentially getting an offer. “I have family in Columbus, so it would be very exciting. The chance to compete at the highest level in college football would be amazing and also play in one of the best college football rivalries ever.”
Jones said Ohio State is recruiting him as an outside linebacker rather than a Mike. In nine games for Christ School (Arden, North Carolina) last season, Jones racked up 77 tackles (five for loss) with three sacks and a pass deflection.
While he doesn’t have a return trip to OSU scheduled as of yet, Jones said he’s “certain” there will be another one in the future.
Bolden attending spring game
One of the top prospects in the 2024 class confirmed he’ll be visiting Ohio State this weekend for the spring game. Five-star safety KJ Bolden, ranked as the No. 10 prospect in 2024, announced Thursday he’s making the trek from Georgia to Columbus.
I'll be in Columbus this Friday #GoBuckeyes @CoachTimWalton @CoachM_Patrick @Coach_Eliano @CoachGrantOSU @ChadSimmons_ @Mansell247 @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/DaB1HdFhWZ
— Khalil KJBolden (@KhalilBolden2) April 14, 2022
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Bolden received an offer from Ohio State on Oct. 18, one of 33 Division I offers he’s racked up. In five games for Buford High School (Buford, Georgia) last season, Bolden racked up 19 tackles, two interceptions and three pass deflections.
Top-rated 2024 RB coming to Columbus
The top-ranked running back in the 2024 class, five-star Florida product Jerrick Gibson, will also be attending Ohio State’s spring game this weekend.
I'll be visiting @OhioStateFB this weekend.@IMGAFootball @ryandaytime @CoachTonyAlford
— Jerrick4 (@gibson_jerrick) April 14, 2022
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Gibson is ranked as the 15th-best prospect nationally and currently holds 18 Division I offers. In seven games for Mundy’s Mill High School (Jonesboro, Georgia) last season, Gibson ran for 626 yards on 98 carries (6.4 YPC) and scored four rushing touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 79 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Gibson is one of four running backs Ohio State has offered in the 2024 class, joining Stacy Gage, Bryan Jackson and Anthony Carrie.
