Signed: Ohio State brings in another New Jersey prospect, Jaylen McClain heading to Columbus
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2024 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Jaylen McClain has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has worked hard to rebuild its defense back to the standard it should be at.
It started with the front seven and earning back the name Silver Bullets. But the secondary had lost its moniker “BIA” – Best in America.
Jaylen McClain saw the vision from the Buckeyes’ recruiting pitch and knew that he had to be part of that continuing rebuild and maintain the standard.
He verbally committed in June and made it official by signing his letter of intent. But what does it mean for Ohio State moving forward?
Lettermen Row breaks it down.
Who is Jaylen McClain?
Jaylen McClain is a four-star safety from West Orange, New Jersey, and played his high school ball at Seton Hall Prep.
McClain was the first safety committed to the Buckeyes’ 2024 class, a decision he made a few days after his official visit in early June.
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He chose Ohio State over Penn State, Rutgers, USC and Notre Dame.
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 338 overall, No. 33 SAF, No. 6 NJ
On3 Ranking: No. 155 overall, No. 11 SAF, No. 3 NJ
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
High School: Seton Hall Prep
How did McClain end up at Ohio State?
Jaylen McClain and Ohio State started as a spring recruitment. He and safeties coach Perry Eliano got into initial contact in early March which led to an offer and then an April visit.
McClain got the chance to see what the program is and isn’t. More importantly, he got to build his relationships with key people in the program including Eliano, head coach Ryan Day, general manager Mark Pantoni and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Before he left Columbus, he locked in his official visit for June 9. That visit, he gave his silent commitment to the Buckeyes and has been locked in ever since.
“What led me to commit to Ohio State was how my relationship with the coaches was beyond football,” McClain told On3. “Also, Coach Day has a standard for his program and how he wants to win championships and develop NFL players.”
McClain is an early enrollee and will be on campus in January.
