Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Breaking Down Ohio State’s 2023 Recruiting Class

Who are the most important additions from the Buckeyes 2023 recruiting class?

Staff
Pin

Overview

The Buckeyes are coming off a down year for Ohio State’s elite standards and will be losing a lot of players to the draft, as they do every year. The consistent championship-level expectations require Ohio State to reload through recruiting, which they have been able to consistently maintain and did it again with this 2023 class. 

They were able to secure 25 total commits, 20 being high school and 5 transfers. They were also able to bring in 7 in-state high school recruits which allows them to keep a heavy presence and secure the best in-state talent. With this class, they look to reload the most at receiver and corner, but there will be no surprises if other positions rise up as well.

Most Underrated

While there aren’t many players in this class that can be claimed as underrated, Jelani Thurman out of Langston Hughes in Georgia is the closest to that. Thurman is a tight end with a very good frame and length that Ohio State’s strength staff will be able to mold into an NFL body. 

He aligns split out wide or inline and is able to run routes like an outside receiver. He is a big target for QBs, as he utilizes his length to catch passes from outside his framework. He’s a mismatch in the red zone when split out wide for 50-50 throws, as he high points the ball with strong hands. Thurman shows good body control in his ability to adjust to passes that are behind or above him. Has the overall size and arm length to have an impact in blocking but will need to improve his technique, which is no concern due to the level of coaching he will get. New-era tight ends are few and far between, but Jelani has the traits to be exactly that.

Biggest Get

Historically, Ohio State has consistently maintained one of the country’s best receiver rooms. And with how much talent has been heading to the NFL over these last two seasons, they needed to reload that room. 

More Sports News

They did just that with the 5th-ranked best receiver in the 2023 class, Brandon Inniss, from Plantation, Florida. Inniss displays elite acceleration into his route stem and very good top-end speed when he can open up his stride. He’s an elite route runner that can leave defenders lost due to his suddenness and ability to change direction at the drop of a dime. 

Inniss is able to attack all 3 levels of the field and displays very good ball skills with the ability to catch outside his framework, making it easy for his QB. One of the most well-rounded players in the entire class and could see early time at Ohio State which is not something to throw around lightly.

Best Out-of-State Addition

Going back to the receiver room, they were also able to add the 8th-ranked best receiver in the 2023 class, Noah Rogers, from Rolesville, North Carolina. Rogers displays good burst and top-end speed both with and without the ball in his hands. He is able to sink his hips and change direction at the break point of his routes. 

With his athleticism, he can attack all three levels of the defense. Once he secures possession of the ball, he is able to create YAC and make defenders miss in open field due to his COD to elude and lateral agility. He is a dangerous receiver that will be able to align wherever the offense needs him to and be productive. Will need to continue to refine the details of his route running and put in the work with the strength staff, but he should be making an early impact on Saturdays at the Shoe.

Best In-State Addition

One of the most important ways that the Buckeyes have sustained their dominance in the Big Ten is by getting the best players from the state of Ohio year after year. And 2023 is no different, most notably with the addition of Jermaine Mathews from Cincinnati Ohio. Mathews is a long corner that displays good hip fluidity along with good burst and COD which allows him to mirror receivers’ routes and make adjustments in coverage with ease.

The 6′, 180 lb. Mathews shows good top end speed when he opens his stride to run with receivers, which translates well to him as a kick and punt returner. His high motor and versatility as a player will allow him to help his team in many different ways. While there’s a significant amount of depth already in the defensive backfield at Ohio State, he’s got the upside to make an impact early, most likely on special teams.

Category: Tag: , , , ,
Pin

You’ll Also Like