In the 2024 recruiting class, Ohio State has already secured Ohio’s top-rated player in cornerback Bryce West, and are hoping to pair him with the state’s No. 2 ranked player, cornerback Aaron Scott, if the Springfield product picks OSU when he commits on July 30.
But the Buckeyes have also started looking ahead to the 2025 cycle and are actively pursuing Ohio’s top prospect, which is once again a cornerback: Northmont product Dorian Brew. Brew, considered the 32nd-ranked prospect and the fifth-rated cornerback per 247Sports, was offered by the Buckeyes on Jan. 21. Brew plays on both sides of the ball for Northmont and was offered as both a wide receiver and cornerback by Ohio State.
Since then, though, he understands his highest ceiling at the next level lies on the defensive side of the ball.
“Ohio State is recruiting me as an athlete, but my potential is highest at defensive back,” the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Brew said at the Buckeyes' recruiting camp on June 8. “There’s not a lot of DBs with my size and speed.”
Brew’s elite athleticism was on display when he camped with the Buckeyes in June, as he held his own in one-on-ones with talented 2026 wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. In individual drills, Brew also displayed all the characteristics needed by an Ohio State defensive back to thrive in college.
Had a great time at Ohio State today !!Thank you @CoachTimWalton @Coach_Eliano pic.twitter.com/gZvLOtwdVG
— Dorian Brew (@BrewDorian15) June 8, 2023
“I felt great,” Brew said of his performance. “I was getting coached by coach Tim Walton and developing that relationship with him, that’s important for me. We worked on our press work, getting on his hip and playing through the ball along with our breaks.”
In the months since picking up his offer, Brew has been developing a relationship with Ohio State secondary coach Tim Walton, who envisions Brew as an outside cornerback.
Ohio 2025 CB Dorian Brew and Virginia 2025 CB Deuce Edwards getting some extra work in with Tim Walton after camp. pic.twitter.com/MOY1Uo6bum
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) June 8, 2023
“He knows what he’s doing, he’s a great coach and a great guy,” Brew said. “He emphasizes the techniques a lot and I focus on my technique too. It’s a great connection.”
His connection to the Buckeyes is evident, as Brew is the son of Donica Merriman, an Ohio State Athletics Hall of Famer in track and field. Brew is no slouch himself on the track, as he’s recorded a 4.4-second laser time in the 40-yard dash.
Ohio State four-star 2025 target Dorian Brew working out with the cornerbacks at OSUs camp. pic.twitter.com/LRHZnDaZ5S
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) June 8, 2023
“I grew up watching Ohio State, my mom ran track and she’s in the Hall of Fame,” Brew said. “It’s been one of my dream schools for the longest time. It’s crazy I’m getting recruited and building that great relationship with coach Walton.”
Brew has started for Northmont on varsity since he was a freshman and has no shortage of versatility on the gridiron.
“Dorian is a very, very good defensive back because of his ball skills and his athleticism,” Northmont High School coach Tony Broering told Eleven Warriors in February. “Now, to play in a place like Ohio State, obviously, he needs to work on his technique. “Offensively, it's kind of the same situation. He can get any 50-50 ball that you throw up. In some days of practice, just for fun, I'll just throw it up and see who can get it, and he gets it every time.”
With his summer visit to Ohio State already in the books, future trips to Columbus are on the docket for Brew. He said he plans on attending a game, bowl practices and later spring practices for the Buckeyes throughout next season.
“I’m looking for a place that develops cornerbacks,” Brew said. “I want that relationship with the coach and someone that can maximize my potential. I’m long, fast and aggressive. I’ve been in the weight room and I’m trying to manhandle the kids that I go against.”
