Signed: Jermaine Mathews has potential for immediate impact at cornerback
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 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Jermaine Mathews has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Jermaine Mathews always knew where he wanted to end up.
The four-star Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Woods cornerback has grown up an Ohio State fan. He’s been to games in the Horseshoe before.
And now those childhood dreams are turned into reality: Jermaine Mathews has signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Jermaine Mathews?
Jermaine Mathews is a four-star cornerback from Cincinnati, Ohio, and committed to the Buckeyes on July 1, 2022. Mathews held nearly 40 FBS offers but chose the in-state powerhouse program.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 120 overall, No. 13 CB, No. 2 Ohio
On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 35 overall, No. 2 CB, No. 2 Ohio
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High school: Winton Woods
Mathews is a great story on an in-state prospect who wanted the Ohio State offer and earned it. The top-rated defensive prospect in Ohio camped yearly in Columbus and in June this year he earned the long-awaited offer.
He has been locked in with Ohio State ever since he committed in the summer. There had been speculation about his recruitment and commitment to the Buckeyes late in the cycle, but the in-state talent silenced the noise.
Mathews spearheads a nice cornerback haul for position coach Tim Walton. Four-star Calvin Simpson-Hunt and four-star Kayin Lee are also in the class.
How did Mathews end up at Ohio State?
Ohio State offered Mathews more than just a scholarship and a spot on the roster.
It was the sense of culture in the program, the brotherhood and the opportunity to develop into an All-American type of player.
“The [Ohio State] coaching staff and the fans I got my recruitment done early so that I can focus on my senior year,” Mathews told Lettermen Row on what about Ohio State has made him stay loyal to his commitment. “I also can’t be bought so I think I’m in the best situation with the Buckeyes.”
Jermaine Mathews Scouting Report (On3)
Athletic, coordinated cornerback with a well-rounded skill set in coverage. Measured 5-foot-11.5 and around 175 pounds with a 32-inch arm prior to his senior season. A riser on the college camp circuit, earning offers with strong showings. Ran multiple 40-yard dashes in the 4.4 range. Smooth and technical in coverage with the ability to quickly read wide receivers and flip his hips accordingly. Uses his length to stay attached. Instinctive and mirrors effectively. Looks to have good ball skills. Came down with four interceptions and caused three forced fumbles as a junior. Also plays basketball.
