Signed: Safety Jayden Bonsu offers Buckeyes versatility, physicality

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: Jayden Bonsu has signed with the Buckeyes.

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COLUMBUS — Jayden Bonsu gave Ohio State the last little bit of signing day drama.

The safety from New Jersey waited to sign his National Letter of Intent to the Buckeyes after hearing some late pitches from other schools. The Buckeyes spent most of the day on the phone with him and others in his recruitment.

But rest assured, Jayden Bonsu has signed his Letter of Intent and will honor his verbal commitment to Ohio State he made in August.

Who is Jayden Bonsu?

Jayden Bonsu is a four-star safety from Hillside, New Jersey, and he played his high school ball at St. Peter’s Prep. He committed to the Buckeyes on Aug. 14, 2022. Bonsu held 32 offers, but he chose Ohio State over Miami, Michigan State and Alabama, among other top-tier Power Five programs.

On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 286 overall, No. 21 S, No. 4 New Jersey

On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 166 overall, No. 13 S, No. 3 New Jersey

Hometown: Hillside, New Jersey

High school: St. Peter’s Prep

Bonsu is one of three safeties in Ohio State’s 2023 class, along with four stars Cedrick Hawkins and Malik Hartford. Bonsu was the last of that trio to commit to the Buckeyes. He doesn’t quite have the 6-foot-3 frame Hartford does, however, at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he is well built.

That size helps Bonsu play all over the field. He is an aggressive defender who tackles well, and that gives him the potential to spend some time in the box for the Buckeyes, and maybe even make the switch to linebacker if Ohio State needs help at the second level.

That versatility affords Bonsu more upside than his 90.44 On3 Consensus rating — the third-lowest in this year’s Buckeyes class — indicates.

Bonsu rounds out an incoming group of Ohio State defensive backs that also includes four-star cornerbacks Jermaine Mathews and Calvin Simpson-Hunt

How did Bonsu end up at Ohio State?

Ohio State has done a good job keeping up with Bonsu, who ended up making four visits to Columbus. He was on campus twice in the spring: first in March, then in April. His official visit was on June 17, and he pledged to the Buckeyes almost exactly two months later.

He returned to Ohio State for The Game back in November. Most recently, on Dec. 8, head coach Ryan Day and safeties coach Perry Eliano made an in-home visit to Bonsu.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine had Miami as the longtime favorite to land Bonsu, but, on Aug. 4, the RPM shifted the Buckeyes’ way, giving them approximately a 64% chance of securing his commitment. Less than two weeks later, Ohio State got just that.

Jayden Bonsu Scouting Report (On3)

Physical back half defender with striking power and versatility. Well-built and physically-developed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. Has good length at safety with arms over 32 inches. Plays in multiple spots for one of the top talent-producing high school programs in New Jersey. Rolls into the box, covers in the slot and plays deep safety at various times. A violent striker who levels ball carriers on impact. Tackles with form, driving through. Shows good anticipation in coverage, undercutting routes. Could potentially grow into a linebacker long-term.