Devin Brown surges into top overall spot in national rankings

COLUMBUS – Devin Brown is the real deal.

The Utah quarterback did not sign with Ohio State as a last-minute throw-in to the Buckeyes’ 2022 signing class – despite the fact that he came into the class late in the cycle.

Brown has continued to prove his talent level on a big stage, and national analysts have taken notice of the Buckeyes quarterback.

Brown is now rated as a five-star prospect, and he moved into the No. 1 overall spot in the final On3 300 rankings for the Class of 2022.

The latest rankings were released on Monday as Brown saw himself soar from his billing as the No. 28 overall player and No. 2 quarterback in the class, per On3, into the No. 1 spot in both.

Brown began his high school career at Queen Creek High School in Arizona, being coached by former Ohio State quarterback Joe Germaine and leading his team to a Class 6A state semifinals berth after becoming eligible halfway through the season. Brown then led the program to another playoff appearance the next season with a 6-3 record before he transferred to Corner Canyon in Utah for his senior season.

Following an outstanding performance at the Elite 11 quarterback competition in the summer, Devin Brown began turning national heads as one of the nation’s top passers. He continued to progress throughout his final high school season as a USC commit.

Brown decommitted from the Trojans amid their coaching disarray, and he eventually committed to the Buckeyes on Nov. 30. He again saw his stock rise during the All-American Bowl in early January as he showcased what makes him a special prospect.

Devin Brown scouting report

“One of the more live-armed passers in the 2022 cycle,” Charles Power, On3 director of scouting and rankings, wrote about Devin Brown. “Generates considerable zip on the ball with the ability to drive throws downfield and from the far hash to the boundary. The ball pops out of his hand and comes in hot. Stretches the field vertically with his considerable arm strength. May have the most high-level, small window throws of any 2022 quarterback as a senior. At his best when he can sit back in the pocket and push the ball vertically. Has light feet with average to above average mobility.

“Transferred from the Phoenix area to Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon for his senior season. Is putting up big passing numbers as a senior. Has a bit of a gunslinger mentality, leading to a higher interception total. Can miss read defenders, leading to picks. Showing some more rushing ability in the red zone as a senior. Put forth a strong showing at the Elite 11 Finals prior to his senior season.”

In addition to Brown, every Ohio State signee in the 2022 saw their rankings shift as well.

Ohio State risers

• Sonny Styles is ranked No. 4 overall (previous ranking: No. 9)
• Kenyatta Jackson Jr.: No. 23 overall (No. 59)
• Kyion Grayes: No. 137 overall (No. 139)
• Omari Abor: No. 140 overall (No. 164)
• Hero Kanu: No. 191 overall (No. 242)
• Caden Curry and Kye Stokes went from outside the On300 to No. 184 overall and No. 293, respectively.

Ohio State fallers

• C.J. Hicks is ranked No. 65 overall (previous ranking: No. 22)
• Gabe Powers: No. 161 overall (No. 117)
• Caleb Burton: No. 256 overall (No. 183)
• George Fitzpatrick: No. 279 overall (No. 154)
• Kaleb Brown: No. 186 overall (No. 171)
• Tegra Tshabola: No. 205 overall (No. 157)
• Carson Hinzman: No. 150 overall (No. 133)
• Both Jyaire Brown (previously No. 273) and Kojo Antwi (previously No. 278) each dropped out of the On300.

Bennett Christian, Ryan Turner, Dallan Hayden and Avery Henry are not in the On300 rankings.