National Signing Day Superlatives: Ohio State class of 2024 offense

Ohio State has seemingly wrapped up their class of 2024 when it comes to the Early Signing Period, inking 20 prospects in a group that ranks 3rd nationally in the On3 Industry Team Rankings, and also has the 3rd best average player rating.

Now that the 20 future Buckeyes have signed, it’s time to take a closer look at the class as a whole, and hand out some superlatives for the OSU Class Of 2024, starting with the offense today and following with the defense tomorrow.

Editor’s Note: Each player can only be used once for attributes. For biggest win or top position group, a recruit can be used twice.

MOST NFL POTENTIAL

I could have put Jeremiah Smith in many of these categories, but I am putting him here because I think he is the most obvious choice when it comes to projecting any of the offensive signees to the next level. This kid should be a day one impact player and follow on the same track as many of the great Ohio State receivers before him.

MOST LIKELY TO MAKE AN IMPACT AS A TRUE FRESHMAN

I am looking at where Ohio State could have some needs and would have to play a true freshman next year and I am coming up with wide receiver, running back, and tight end. I think Smith would be the most likely candidate here but I already used him. Let’s go with James Peoples in this spot as someone who could work his way into the OSU running back rotation and have an impact on the 2024 campaign.

MOST PHYSICALLY GIFTED

An athletic freak out of Cleveland Glenville, Damarion Witten can do it all. Will he stay as a big receiver? Grow into a full blown tight end body? Be some sort of hybrid? I don’t have the answers to those questions but I do know he can be an offensive weapon that creates mismatches for Ohio State under Ryan Day.

BIGGEST SLEEPER

He was a later addition to the class, but Gabe VanSickle could be someone that we look back on in a few years and are thankful that Ohio State flipped from Northwestern.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has the versatility to play tackle or guard at the next level, and had a tremendous senior season. He is not someone you should expect to make an impact in year one, but once he hits year three in the program, he is someone who could be a multi-year starter for the Scarlet and Gray.

MOST LIKELY TO BE A CAPTAIN ONE DAY

I thought about one of the Armstrong twins here, but I am going with quarterback Air Noland. He is a very mature kid and big time leader. If he lets things play out and takes over the reigns behind center one day in Columbus, I like Noland’s chances to be a captain, possibly for multiple years, for Ohio State.

MOST ELECTRIC

All-purpose back Sam Williams-Dixon was up for consideration, but I have to go with 5-star wide receiver Mylan Graham to take this one for Ohio State.

Graham, also a basketball player, is extremely athletic, runs good routes, and has good hands. His acceleration is elite and he has an ability to get YAC. He is a complete receiver, who makes big time plays (averaged 24 yards/catch as a junior), and I think the On3 comparison to Amari Cooper says it best:

Mylan Graham’s advanced route-running ability, athleticism and reliable ball skills remind us of Amari Cooper. Like Cooper, Graham is a pure technician who consistently breaks off opposing corners with his crafty routes. Cooper flashed a bit more contested catch ability at the same stage and played stronger competition, while Graham is more productive.

STRONGEST POSITION UNIT

Running back took a hit with Jordan Lyle flipping. Wide receiver took a hit with Jeremiah McClellan flipping. Tight end and offensive line are solid. Quarterback is very good, but just a one man class.

The first two were the favorites just a week ago to win this award, but the flips had me thinking going elsewhere. That said, I am still going with Wide Receiver, as landing a 5-star-plus and a 5-star prospect in Smith and Graham is top notch for Ohio State.

BIGGEST RECRUITING WIN

This is a category where we can have a repeat winner and it is Smith. Landing the number one player in the class has to be the biggest recruiting win in any year, and doing so while every other program in America was trying to change his commitment status for over a calendar year is extremely impressive by Ohio State.

Kudos to Brian Hartline here. Massive win and impact player from day one.

BIGGEST RECRUITING MISS

Given that the offensive line was the biggest need in the class, you have to look here for the winner (is it really a winner?) for this superlative.

While Jordan Seaton could be the guy here, that was a big uphill battle. Instead I am going with Brandon Baker, because I think OSU could have realistically landed him and in one point was very much in position to do so.

Seaton may be the top player at the tackle position, but Baker is number two and would be an immediate help in the two-deep, if not a starter, for Ohio State this upcoming season. Texas got a good one.