Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State commit Jack Sawyer takes over No. 1 spot in 2021 rankings

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise! Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more.

Jack Sawyer now No. 1 in 2021

Ohio State commit Jack Sawyer now holds the top spot in the 247Sports composite rankings for the Class of 2021. The Pickerington (Ohio) North defensive end was upgraded to the top spot when ESPN released its first set of 2021 rankings and caused a change in the composite rankings.

Beaux Collins wants to return to Ohio State

As the national recruiting rankings were adjusted this week, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco 2021 receiver Beaux Collins saw himself elevated to near 5-star status in the composite rankings, cementing his place as one of the country’s elite rising-junior prospects.

That’s why the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout is so coveted by Ohio State, Clemson and others. He’s visited Columbus twice, his sister goes to school in Ohio and he has continued to develop his relationship with Brian Hartline and the Buckeyes when he’s had the chance.

“I talk to Coach Hart every now and then,” Collins told Lettermen Row. “We are building a great relationship. He’s been giving me a lot of pointers that I can use now as a player. I can tell he really cares about helping me become a complete receiver, and he’s a great guy off the field more than anything else.”

The Buckeyes are in a position to receive another visit from Collins this season, as the receiver said he’s eyeing a trip to Columbus for the game against Penn State. Collins also hopes to visit Texas and Alabama during this upcoming season.

For more on Ohio State recruiting, check out the Wednesday edition of Dotting the ‘Eyes.

Ohio State breakout players

The Buckeyes have talent across the board, including the backups. As training camp looms, there are plenty of position battles incoming. Several Ohio State players have a chance to bust out and climb the two-deep over the course of the next month.

The wait is over, and the Buckeyes will finally be back on the football field Friday. Here are five Buckeyes who could deliver breakout performances during this year’s fall camp.

Ty Hamilton talks on Birminology

Ohio State commitment Ty Hamilton is the younger brother of Davon Hamilton, a fifth-year senior defensive lineman for the Buckeyes who can vouch for the opportunities the program presents. And one key perk is working with vaunted position coach Larry Johnson, and the chance for Hamilton to have him mold his career was too good to pass up.

How does Hamilton fit in the future of the Buckeyes defensive line? How does he intend to use his ability to regularly get to campus with Ohio State to his advantage? Has he felt comfortable working to help recruit others? What does he think about recruiting rankings and what’s the difference he’s seen between Ryan Day and Urban Meyer? Get the answers to those questions and more on this week’s edition of Birminology on Lettermen Row.

Malik Barrow to UCF

Malik Barrow’s career at Ohio State was stunted by injuries, as he never really saw any consistent playing time before being medically disqualified by the Buckeyes’ staff.

Now Barrow is getting a second chance. The Tampa, Fla., native is joining UCF as a graduate transfer.

Counting down

• First day of fall practice: 1 day
• Ohio State vs. Florida Atlantic (season opener): 31 days
• Ohio State at Michigan: 122 days

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