Ohio State remains in mix for pair of marquee defensive prospects
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is seeing the results of its defensive turnaround this season on and off the field.
On the field, the Buckeyes have a top-six total defense, a top-15 run defense and a top-seven pass defense. Those marks are a culmination of the coaching from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and then obviously, the talent that Knowles has to work with.
The off-field results are evident on the recruiting trail.
Ohio State is in the running for several uncommitted 2023 prospects and more 2024 prospects continue to keep the Buckeyes in their trimmed lists.
Add 2024 prospects Eddrick Houston and Aaron Chiles to the list of prospects closely watching the Buckeyes.
Buford (Ga.) four-star EDGE Eddrick Houston included Ohio State in his top-10, as reported by On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.
“I am looking for the school that fits me,” Houston told Simmons. “It will come down to the defense I play in, how the players are treated and where I feel best.
“It is still pretty early for me.”
Houston has visited Ohio State twice, once for a June camp and then for the Notre Dame game in September.
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Four-star Olney (Md) Good Counsel linebacker Aaron Chiles has yet to visit Ohio State, formally, but that could change.
“I definitely want to get back to Ohio State for a real visit or a game,” Chiles told Simmons. We got to tour the facilities and see a little bit of the campus, but it was quick and we couldn’t really do a lot. I liked what I saw and I like their style of play.
“They transform guys into monsters at Ohio State and I will be back there.”
Ohio State will continue to stay in the loop with two major national prospects in the 2024 cycle.
In-state EDGE, linebacker targets
The Buckeyes remain in consistent contact with talented EDGE and linebacker prospects in their own backyard.
Four-star Cincinnati (Ohio) Taft EDGE Elias Rudolph has maintained active communication with defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Four-star Sunbury (Ohio) Big Walnut linebacker Garrett Stover has been an all-hands-on-deck effort by Ohio State. While his main recruiter has been safeties coach Perry Eliano, Knowles and coach Ryan Day have had a heavy hand in the process.
