Tale of the Tape: Knowing the basics of Buckeyes defensive ends

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has high hopes for its defensive ends this season.

Whether it’s J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry, along with key youngsters making progress, the Buckeyes have everything they need to be at the top of the sport on the edge of the defensive line.

The Buckeyes return two former five-star recruits, a pair of talented third-year players and a borderline five-star freshman who are all vying for playing time this fall. This may be the deepest depth chart on the defense — it should be a productive unit that pushes piles backward and gets after quarterbacks.

Lettermen Row is kicking off Defensive Line Week by taking a look at the basics of the defensive ends at Ohio State. Let’s dive in.

Fourth-year defensive end Jack Sawyer

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 260 pounds

High school: Pickerington North (Pickerington, Ohio)

On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star Jack Sawyer was ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the country, the No. 1 EDGE and the No. 1 player in the state of Ohio in the class of 2021.

Picked Buckeyes over: Sawyer picked Ohio State early in his recruitment and never considered other options after his commitment. He was a class leader for the Buckeyes.

Stats at Ohio State: Sawyer has 85 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles in his career for the Buckeyes.

Fourth-year defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 269 pounds

High school: Eastside Catholic (Edgewood, Washington)

On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star J.T. Tuimoloau was ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the country, the No. 2 defensive lineman and the No. 1 player in the state of Washington in the class of 2021.

Picked Buckeyes over: Tuimoloau picked Ohio State later than any other player in the class by choosing the Buckeyes over Alabama, USC and Oregon on July 4, 2021.

Stats at Ohio State: Tuimoloau has 83 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, two interceptions — one for a touchdown — seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in his career for the Buckeyes.

Third-year defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 258 pounds

High school: Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, Florida)

On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was ranked as the No. 46 overall player in the country, the No. 6 EDGE and the No. 9 player in the state of Florida in the class of 2022.

Picked Buckeyes over: Jackson picked Ohio State over Alabama and Oklahoma.

Stats at Ohio State: Jackson has nine total tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Buckeyes.

Third-year defensive end Caden Curry

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 260 pounds

High school: Center Grove (Greenwood, Indiana)

On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star Caden Curry was ranked as the No. 128 overall player in the country, the No. 18 defensive lineman and the No. 4 player in the state of Indiana in the class of 2022.

Picked Buckeyes over: Curry picked Ohio State over Alabama and most other major programs.

Stats at Ohio State: Curry had 23 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks in two seasons at Ohio State.

Second-year player Joshua Mickens

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 233 pounds

High school: Lawrence Central (Indianapolis, Indiana)

On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star Joshua Mickens was ranked as the No. 101 overall player in the country, the No. 14 EDGE and the No. 1 player in the state of Indiana in the class of 2023.

Picked Buckeyes over: Mickens picked Ohio State after decommitting from LSU late in the recruiting cycle.

On3 scouting snippet: One of the more flexible pass rushers in what is a deep group at the position in the 2023 cycle. Measured at around 6-foot-3, 22 -pounds with a 34.25-inch arm and 10-inch hand prior to his senior season. On the shorter side, but has plus length with a frame to add more weight. Shows an advanced first step along with the ability to dip and bend around the edge. A fluid, functional mover. Able to bend and turn the corner. Will need to continue adding bulk and mass, but has some functional strength that belies his current size. Productive as a junior, totaling 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Backed up that season with 20.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks as a senior. Plays with a high effort level on Friday nights. Also has a strong multi-sport profile as a top basketball player to go with a shot put toss at around 53 feet as a junior.

Freshman Eddrick Houston

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 270 pounds

High school: Buford (Buford, Georgia)

On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star Eddrick Houston was ranked as the No. 33 overall player in the country, the No. 6 EDGE and the No. 5 player in the state of Georgia in the class of 2024.

Picked Buckeyes over: Houston picked Ohio State over Alabama, Georgia and Clemson

On3 scouting snippet: Powerful, versatile defensive lineman who imposes his will on opposing offensive linemen. Measured in at a shade under 6-foot-4, 275 pounds prior to his senior season. Added significant mass during his junior season. Has a naturally large frame with plus length for the position with arms that measure 34 inches. Primarily lines up as a defensive end in a 3-man front for Georgia power Buford High, where he faces strong competition.. A physical, high effort player who is active as a run defender. Capable of setting the edge. Shows the motor and athleticism to make high level plays in pursuit. Primarily a straight line pass rusher at this point. Looks to overpower offensive linemen with his bull rush. Has the length and speed to power to walk offensive linemen back to the quarterback. More of a linear athlete at this time. Will need to improve his bend flexibility if he’s to stick on the edge long-term. Could grow into a defensive tackle or play as a 4i in a 3-man front. Also has a wrestling background and runs track. Has a wrestling background and also runs track.

Freshman Dominic Kirks

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 250 pounds

High school: Riverside (Painesville, Ohio)

On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star Dominic Kirks was ranked as the No. 148 overall player in the country, the No. 13 DL and the No. 8 player in the state of Ohio in the class of 2024.

Picked Buckeyes over: Kirks picked Ohio State after flipping from Washington, where he was a long-time commitment to the Huskies.