The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. You submit the questions and then we pass them on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Not that long ago, there was a narrative that Ohio State couldn’t reel in an elite defensive tackle under head coach Urban Meyer.
It was seemingly justified, too, seeing as the Buckeyes missed out on big-name prospects like Terry Beckner, Neville Gallimore, Rashan Gary, Thomas Holley, Dexter Lawrence, Rashard Lawrence, Derrick Nnadi, Christian Wilkins and Marvin Wilson in recent recruiting cycles. That all changed last April, though, when IMG Academy five-star Taron Vincent picked Ohio State over finalist Florida State.
The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Vincent’s relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson played a major role in his decision — they first met when Johnson recruited Vincent’s older brother, Troy Jr., to Penn State more than five years ago. He actually committed to the Nittany Lions, but backed off that pledge when Johnson was hired by the Buckeyes in January 2014.
The Seminoles were the only program that posed a real threat in the younger Vincent’s recruitment, meanwhile, which marked the second cycle in a row the two programs battled for the nation’s top-rated defensive tackle (Wilson).
Things appeared to be trending in Florida State’s favor following an unofficial visit in March, but another trip to Columbus — his first in nearly a year — sealed the deal for Ohio State.
Vincent, a U.S. Army All-American and The Opening Finals invitee, finished his senior season with 53 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and four sacks to lead the Ascenders to their third-consecutive undefeated season last fall. He and four-star linebacker signee Teradja Mitchell were named finalists for the USA TODAY Sports Defensive Player of the Year award, as well.
Though he already graduated from high school, Vincent will not enroll in classes until this summer. That meant he had some free time to sit down and talk with our readers about the recruiting process, life after football, his knife collection and much more in the latest 11W Community Interview.
With so many colleges pursuing your commitment, what was the one thing that separated Ohio State from the rest? Also, when did you know Ohio State was the place for you? - Seattle Linga
TV: “Just my relationship I had with all the coaches really separated them from the rest. And around the end of April last year, I took an unofficial visit and I knew it was the place for me.”
Do you prefer to play the one-technique, three-technique or nose tackle position along the line? - 703Buckeye
TV: “I prefer three-tech, but I can play anywhere on the line.”
What college or NFL player — past or present — would you compare your game to? - InsertNameHere
TV: “[Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle] Aaron Donald.”
What was your favorite part of the recruiting process? - Gobucks544
TV: “Just being able to travel to all the different universities and meeting all new people.”
Can you describe the most memorable play of your football career thus far? - VABuckeye
TV: “My junior year, we were playing [Virginia Beach] Bishop Sullivan and there was about one minute left on the clock. We were up by like five and they had the ball, but I got back-to-back sacks to seal the game.”
Did recruiting rankings motivate you, or was it simply something to take pride in? And how much do the rankings matter to you and/or other recruits? - Ahh Saturday
TV: “I didn’t pay rankings much mind, but just knowing you’re the best at your position always kept me motivated to always stay on top and never let someone be able to say they’re better than me. And no I don’t think rankings matter, if you can ball [then] you can ball.”
With your father, Troy, having gone through the recruiting process before he played in college and the NFL, how much did you lean on him for advice? - Desymond
TV: “I leaned on him a little. He just gave me simple advice [like] telling me to take it all in and enjoy the process because it only happens once.”
Coming from Baltimore Gilman and IMG Academy — where both programs have a business-like feel — and with you now heading to Ohio State, where it’s more of the same, how are you able to still find joy in the game? - Hovenaut
TV: “Just being able to win games and ball out with guys you’re with 24/7. [It] can’t get much better than that. Plus, after all your hard work, being able to see it translate to field is a great feeling.”
Do you have any hidden talents or something we’d be surprised to learn about you? - ApologizeToMelo5
TV: “I have a knife collection of (14) antique knives with all types of designs.”
When your football career is over — hopefully in another 20 years — what would you like to being doing with your life and where would you like to live? - SCarolinaBuckeye
TV: “I want to open up my own gym and training facility and live in Georgia.”
