How Buckeyes defensive tackles fare in name, image, likeness
The summer offseason is in full swing, and Lettermen Row is trying to survive it with our annual Position Week breakdowns. By the time all nine units and coaching staff at Ohio State have been covered, training camp and media days will nearly have arrived, and the return of football in the Horseshoe will be just around the corner. Our positional weeks roll along with the deep Buckeyes defensive line unit.
COLUMBUS — The defensive ends receive most of the attention at Ohio State, and rightfully so.
The lineage of defensive ends to come out of the Buckeyes program in the past is impressive, sure. But the defensive tackles quietly help the defensive front get things done inside. And they’re a huge part of what Jim Knowles wants from his defense.
“You just want guys that are going to get off the ball and are able to play aggressive and, you know, create havoc for the offense,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said about his defensive tackles. “Inside, you want guys inside that just caused problems for the offense, that when they look, they have to find ways to double team. Because they’re worried about the the penetration and the plays that guys are going to make in there.”
Lettermen Row is moving along through Defensive Line Week, breaking down the Buckeyes defensive tackles in the trenches. So it’s also a perfect time to dive into the opportunities some of the biggest names at the position on the roster have in the space of Name, Image and Likeness now and into the future.
Note: All values are based on the On3 NIL Valuation, the industry’s leading index that sets the standard market NIL value for high school and college-level athletes.
Ohio State defensive tackles NIL valuation
Tyleik Williams: After a breakout freshman season, Tyleik Williams saw his NIL valuation skyrocket to $280,000. He signed with NIL Management and has found success this offseason in the name, image and likeness space. If he has another good season on the interior of the Buckeyes defensive line, his value can only increase.
Ty Hamilton: Ty Hamilton has quietly worked to carve out a role on the Buckeyes defensive line, and he has a current value of $35,000. The brother of former Ohio State star DaVon Hamilton, Ty Hamilton has a major chance to become a key piece of the defensive line this fall, which will help increase his NIL value.
Taron Vincent: The senior leader may finally be due for a breakout in the trenches, which could see his value of $28,000 at the moment become a much larger number. A former five-star recruit, Vincent’s time to capitalize is now, both on and off the field.
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Jerron Cage: Another senior and veteran of the defensive line, Jerron Cage has a current value of $26,000. His 57-yard scoop and score last fall became the subject of an NIL tee-shirt sale this summer.
Mike Hall: Once called the “LeBron James of Streetsboro,” his hometown, Mike Hall has a few NIL deals back in his hometown that have been a way to make money. His value currently rests at $25,000, but that’s coming off a redshirt season. He can expand his NIL value with a productive Year Two at Ohio State.
Hero Kanu: The true freshman enrolled this summer and has a value of $24,000. He can watch his value increase as his career progresses.
Jaden McKenzie: A former three-star recruit, Jaden McKenzie’s value is $9,900. The Buckeyes have plenty of talent on the roster at his position, but if he can break through, the veteran can see that value increase.
