Ohio State adds kicker Jayden Fielding to 2022 class
COLUMBUS – Ohio State got an unexpected, under-the-radar addition to its 2022 recruiting class on Tuesday night.
Jayden Fielding, a 6-foot, 145-pound kicker out of Florida powerhouse IMG Academy, has committed to the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on.
Fielding will not have a scholarship to begin his Ohio State career but will be given an opportunity to earn a full ride as he begins the next step of his career. He is the first player to commit to Ohio State from IMG Academy since Lejond Cavazos in the 2020 class.
One of the first times Fielding got on the Buckeyes radar came during the first week of September.
When IMG Academy traveled to Ohio for a Sept. 3 matchup with Cincinnati La Salle, one of IMG’s coaches approached Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline on the sidelines.
Hartline was on the road during the evaluation period to check out priority IMG 2023 receiver Carnell Tate. But the IMG coach told Hartline, “Watch out for this kid. He’s the number one kicker in the country. Keep him on your radar.”
“We can always use another kicker,” Hartline responded.
That kicker was Fielding, who Lettermen Row kept an eye on throughout the night. He looked impressive, fluid and confident while converting all seven of his extra-point attempts and a 38-yard field goal in a 58-7 win over La Salle.
It’s unclear if that was the first time Fielding got on the Ohio State radar or if it was just another step in the process. Either way, he put on a good show for Hartline and eventually Ryan Day when the Buckeyes coach arrived in the second half.
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That eventually paved the way for Fielding to take his first visit to Ohio State when the Buckeyes beat Michigan State in November.
“I loved it,” Fielding told Lettermen Row following his visit. “I had a great time, met some really nice people and coaches. Overall, it was a great game day experience. I can’t wait to go back.”
That time will soon come for a return trip to Columbus as Fielding will soon become a Buckeye and live out a lifelong dream of playing on one of the biggest stages of the sport.
“I’ve always wanted to play big-time college football,” Fielding said. “Ohio State is one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Coming from one of the most prestigious high school programs in the country, I think it would be a great fit. I’m well prepared for the opportunity.
“I think they’re always looking to bring in the best guys they can, no matter the year.”
Fielding may not be a high-profile name. But he is one of those best guys at his position. Now he will get a chance to prove it at Ohio State.
