As much as Ohio State's defense has moved certain defensive backs around under coordinator Jim Knowles, sometimes there's just a clear fit in the scheme.
There's no doubt about where four-star safety Jaylen McClain, who signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Ohio State on Wednesday, will play to start his collegiate career. He's a clear boundary safety, or "bandit" in the Buckeyes' lineup.
The McClain File
- Size: 6-0/185
- Pos: S
- School: Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, New Jersey)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: #270 (#28 S)
McClain is a thumper in and around the box but was utilized all over the field for his Seton Hall Prep squad in West Orange, N.J., covering slot receivers man-to-man and coming down as though he were an extra linebacker on certain plays. He also played wide receiver for the Pirates.
Per MaxPreps, McClain racked up a gaudy 126 tackles during the 2023 season. He also blocked both a punt and a field goal. A track star, McClain has posted times of 11.06 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 22.77 seconds in the 200.
McClain, a four-star prospect, is ranked as the No. 270 recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings and 28th at safety. A coveted athlete, he held offers from Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame and USC among many others.
The Buckeyes extended an offer to McClain on March 2 and quickly emerged as a leader in his recruitment.
Notre Dame and USC provided the primary competition to the Buckeyes for McClain's services. McClain took an official visit to the Trojans on June 2 before making his trip to Columbus on June 9. Despite having another official visit scheduled to Notre Dame for June 16, McClain committed to the Buckeyes immediately following his time in Columbus.
Rangy. Great tackler. Film has comparison to @j_fuller4 https://t.co/ibcjb6XLpJ
— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) December 20, 2023
McClain joins Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot three-star Leroy Roker as the two safeties who signed with Ohio State on Wednesday. The Buckeyes are also tried to secure a late flip from four-star Minnesota commit Koi Perich, who took an official visit to Columbus on Dec. 9, but it appears likely that he will stick with the Golden Gophers.
