Four-star defensive lineman Dominic Kirks commits to Ohio State
COLUMBUS — Ohio State appeared finished with the 2024 recruiting cycle. Until it wasn’t.
Four-star Painesville (Ohio) Riverside defensive lineman Dominic Kirks has committed to the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound in-state prospect was originally committed to Washington but decommitted on Jan. 12.
That is the same day his official visit to Ohio State began. It also coincides with former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer departing for the Alabama job.
Kirks is the No. 227 overall prospect, the No. 25 defensive lineman and the No. 11 Ohio prospect according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Those numbers adjust to No. 243, No. 23 and No. 10, respectively, by On3.
In what is likely the final prospect committed to the 2024 class, Kirks is a needed addition. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson signed only two defensive linemen in December. Five-star Buford (Ga) EDGE Eddrick Houston and three-star Stafford (Va) Mountain View defensive tackle Eric Mensah both signed in December and are currently enrolled at Ohio State.
Kirks is a welcomed addition and is a prospect that the Buckeyes have been closely watching for some time now. They hosted him throughout his recruitment. Whether it was for recruiting camps in June or a game-day visit here and there, Ohio State has always been there but never pursued.
Until it needed to.
Even with stars coming back for the 2024 season like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams, the future always has to be present. And when looking at that future, the Buckeyes looked grim with a lack of depth.
Kirks now provides a better image for that future and can be one of the next great rushmen for Larry Johnson.
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The in-state defensive lineman had interest from USC, Michigan and Michigan State down the stretch, but he always wanted to be with the Buckeyes. Now he is.
Kirks rounds out a top-five recruiting class for Ohio State. Five-star prospects Jeremiah Smith, Mylan Graham, Eddrick Houston and Aaron Scott Jr. headlined the class for head coach Ryan Day.
Barring any change, Dominic Kirks will sign his letter of intent to Ohio State in February and enroll in the summer. He will join classmates Max LeBlanc, Damarion Witten, Gabe VanSickle, Leroy Roker and Mylan Graham as the ‘late’ additions for the Buckeyes.
There was serious concern about the lack of depth for Ohio State on the defensive line. For now, that concern has subsided.
Dominick Kirks has committed to the Buckeyes.
