The future stars of Ohio State football officially begin their college careers, as standouts from all over the country put pens to their National Letters of Intent.
When a player decommits from a program, it typically means he'll ultimately sign elsewhere. Four-star defensive back Lejond Cavazos is an exception.
Lej-on-da-ry Welcome @lejondaryy#GoBucks #XXclusive pic.twitter.com/UIUmp42Jz6
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 18, 2019
The Cavazos File
- Class: 2020
- Size: 6-foot-1, 196 pounds
- Pos: S
- School: Bradenton, FL
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: 26 (S)
Cavazos originally committed to Ohio State in June of 2018 after developing a close relationship with Urban Meyer – who his father had known for nearly 20 years – and defensive coordinator Greg Schiano.
When Meyer announced his retirement from Ohio State six months later, Cavazos decommitted from the program, saying Ohio State "will remain a top school of mine, but I feel the need to explore my options and take a closer look at other Universities."
After taking a step back to evaluate his options, Cavazos recommitted to new head coach Ryan Day in April and just over a year after his decommitment, the four-star cornerback from Bradenton, Florida officially signs with Ohio State.
A versatile athlete, Cavazos is listed by recruiting services as a safety, but he's expected to play cornerback for the Buckeyes after playing the position throughout his senior season at IMG Academy.
As for his athleticism, Cavazos is the total package. Back in February, he blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, showed off a 44-inch vertical jump and ran the shuttle in 4.16 seconds at Miami's The Opening Regionals.
But even more than what he can do on the field as an athlete, Cavazos has already blossomed into a leader among his future teammates. Since recommitting to the program in April, Cavazos has been one of Ohio State's most vocal advocates and recruiters, helping the Buckeyes land top-rated prospects such as five-star receiver Julian Fleming.
Cavazos has been quite visibly one of the firmest commitments in the class since his April recommitment, but that commitment was put to one final test this week when his future position coach and coordinator, Jeff Hafley, accepted the position as Boston College's head coach, leaving Ohio State after just one year.
This time, though, he hardly wavered. After taking just one night to process the news, Cavazos decided to stick with his commitment to Ohio State, telling his father "I know Coach Day’s gonna hire a great guy, and that’s all that matters to us."
To clear up all the rumors, I am 100% committed to THE Ohio State University & plan to report in January. God bless & Go Bucks!
— Lej (@lejondaryy) December 14, 2019
Cavazos is one of five Ohio State defensive back commits entering the early signing period, and while Clark Phillips' decision looms and Cameron Martinez pushes his decision to February, there was no signing drama here – Cavazos is officially a Buckeye.
