On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 4, ATH Sonny Styles

As college football heads toward the proverbial end of the 2022 recruiting cycle, On3 will soon release its final rankings for this year’s senior class.

At the top of those rankings are 32 five-star prospects, each of whom was among the most heavily recruited high school football players in the country this year. Next up on the countdown is the No. 4 prospect in the 2022 class, Pickerington (Ohio) Pickerington Central athlete and Ohio State signee Sonny Styles.

After checking is at No. 9 in On3’s previous rankings, Styles has ascended into the top five of the rankings.

The player evaluations not only include their full senior seasons, but their performances in the practices and games of the Under Armour All-American Game and the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The final batch of five-stars has some significant movement from the previous rankings, including 15 newly minted members of the club. It also is headlined by a new No. 1 overall player.

Sonny Styles Scouting Summary

A unique defensive prospect with the size, athleticism and movement skills to potentially make plays at all three levels of a defense. Combines 6-foot-4, 220-pound size with top-flight athleticism. Posted combine numbers that are better than many top defensive backs and wide receivers – some of the best marks we saw during the spring camp circuit. Athleticism transfers over to the field where he makes “wow” plays at a high rate. Plays at safety for his high school and is a smooth, fluid mover in space. Has movement patterns that belie his size. Shows deep range at safety with the ability to play hash to boundary. Makes plays on the ball at its highest point. Possesses some vicious striking power as a hitter and physical presence. Closes quickly and flashes the top-end speed on interception returns. Has blocked several kicks as a junior. Size, athleticism and coordination are unique and give him the ability to impact games as a defensive back, linebacker or potential pass rusher. Has the upside of being a true moveable chess piece for a defensive coordinator. Can continue to clean up his tackling technique. Doubles as an above-the-rim basketball player with mid-major offers on the hardwood. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings