When Ryan Day met with reporters in July at Big Ten Media Days, Ohio State was in a bit of a rut on the recruiting trail on the defensive side of the ball.
The Buckeyes had recently missed out on several top defensive targets, including Caleb Downs and Tackett Curtis, among others. Of course, Ohio State underwent a massive restructuring of its defense following a poor showing in 2021, highlighted by the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson was the lone holdover from last season’s defensive coaching staff, so there was lots of uncertainty surrounding the defensive side of the ball heading into the season.
At Big Ten Media Days, Day was asked if the recruiting misses had anything to do with prospects needing to see on-field results with Knowles’ system before taking the Buckeyes more seriously. Ohio State’s head coach didn’t discount the notion entirely.
“I think when you change a defense as drastically as we have, a lot of people want to see what it’s going to look like,” Day said in July. “… I think when they see the energy and a bunch of guys flying around and all that, it’s going to be a much easier sell.”
Seven games into the Buckeyes’ 2022 season, the defense is living up to both Day and Knowles’ standards. After a completely dominant effort against the hapless Iowa offense Saturday, Ohio State sits No. 2 in total defense nationwide, allowing 239.9 yards per game, behind only Illinois at 221.1. The Buckeyes are also fifth nationally in scoring defense, allowing 14.86 points per contest.
In short, Knowles’ revamped defense has produced immediate on-field results and has changed the perception of Ohio State for some defensive recruits. Day said he’s noticed a difference from speaking with prospects this season.
“I think everything we talked about in recruiting leading up to the season now they're seeing, which is which is great, because what we said was going to happen has happened, and it's happening and we got to keep going on that,” Day said at his press conference Tuesday leading up to the Iowa game, speaking from a general standpoint since coaches are not permitted to commit specifically on unsigned recruits. “But I think the recruits have seen it. And they're excited about that and they want to jump on board.”
One example of a recruit that’s taken Ohio State more seriously following the Buckeyes’ hot start is four-star 2023 Georgia defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. McDonald has taken a gameday visit to Ohio State in each of the past two seasons, and noticed a significant difference from a year ago when he took his official visit to Columbus on Sept. 24. It’s a significant reason OSU still remains in consideration for McDonald with an Oct. 31 commitment date approaching.
“It’s a different vibe with coach Knowles being the defensive coordinator,” McDonald told Eleven Warriors in October. “The defense looks faster. They’re playing more together and relentless. It’s a relentless defense and a national championship-type defense.”
Buckeye nation turn me up pic.twitter.com/7ySbww6P5H
— Kayden (@KMac_DT) September 27, 2022
Ohio State is also firmly in the mix for five-star 2023 defensive ends Damon Wilson, Keon Keeley and Matayo Uiagalelei as the Buckeyes hope to finish the 2023 class strong. While the defensive success this season surely can’t hurt in the recruitment of those prospects, Day and company are probably going to see the fruits of the defense’s success this season pay the most dividends in the 2024 cycle. Though OSU has yet to have a single defensive prospect commit yet in that cycle, there are plenty of big-name targets on their board that are heavily considering the Buckeyes.
Day and safeties coach Perry Eliano visited a handful of them last week during OSU’s off week when they traveled to Georgia for a highly-anticipated matchup between Buford and Mill Creek High School.
“It's good to get everybody on the road and be around some great football on a Friday night,” Day said.
There are easily at least 20 Power 5 players on the field tonight. Probably six current or future 5-stars.
— Jeff Sentell (@jeffsentell) October 14, 2022
That brings Ohio State head coach Ryan Day down to Georgia tonight. pic.twitter.com/4jwr1Y7pjO
A pair of talented Buford defensive ends in the 2024 class, KingJoseph Edwards and Eddrick Houston, both told Eleven Warriors they were appreciative of Day’s visit to their school. It’s also worth noting that Downs plays for Mill Creek, and the Buckeyes haven’t completely abandoned that pursuit and hope to convince him to visit for the Michigan game on Nov. 26, even if flipping him seems like a longshot at this point.
If Knowles’ defense continues its success throughout the remainder of the season, OSU will likely have a more favorable summer on the defensive recruiting trail next year than it did a few months ago.
