Ohio State defensive recruits take charge in season debuts
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has fielded questions about its defense all throughout the offseason.
But it won’t have to answer any questions about the future players headed its way and how they play.
Several of the Buckeyes defensive commits played in the high school senior season debuts in the last few days.
Lettermen Row breaks down how each of the Ohio State defensive commits played in their debuts. This will be a weekly log, so be sure to follow along throughout the season.
ICYMI: Offensive commits
Safeties
Two of the three Buckeyes three safeties commits opened the 2022 season with a lot of noise, but none louder than Malik Hartford.
The four-star Lakota West (Ohio) safety leveled an incredible hit on a crossing wide receiver. While he was ejected from the game, Hartford in week one showcased the exact kind of physical playmakers that Ohio State is after in its new-look defense. Lakota West won 16-13 over St. Xavier.
Fellow four-star safety Cedrick Hawkins played in a defense that took one half to finish a game, with a little help from area lightning. Hawkins and the Cocoa Tigers blanked Merritt Island 36-0 in one half of play as the game was called.
Cornerbacks
In-state four-star Winton Woods talent Jermaine Mathews got off to a busy start in his season debut.
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The 5-foot-11, 175-pound cornerback outside of Cincinnati had four tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles. With such aggression on the perimeter, he showcased what the Buckeyes will get next fall.
Another four-star cornerback made his 2022 debut this weekend. Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Georgia) talent Kayin Lee helped lead the Saints to a 30-14 win over Bainbridge.
Linebacker
The only Ohio State linebacker commit, four-star Glenville standout Arvell Reese, established his presence early and often on the field.
Reese, in his first game with the Tarblooders, completed a shutout in a 25-0 win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary on Thursday. Reese led the way for Glenville as it held the Irish to under 100 yards of offense.
Defensive line
Three-star defensive end Will Smith Jr. received plenty of attention in his 2022 opener with Dublin Coffman (Ohio). Smith took on plenty of blocks and made a few tackles whenever St. John’s Jesuit dared to run his way Friday night — Coffman won 14-7.
