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LGHL Players to Watch: Kenyatta Jackson is on the brink of a breakout season
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Players to Watch: Kenyatta Jackson is on the brink of a breakout season
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Now bigger, badder, and more confident thanks to a strong spring, Jackson should play a major role up front for Larry Johnson’s Rushmen.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about players to watch this upcoming season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Player to Watch” articles here.
Kenyatta Jackson committed to Ohio State as a top-5 true edge rusher (in the 2022 class) but did not enroll until June of last year. This put him slightly behind the 8-ball, similar to what we saw with J.T. Tuimoloau prior to his freshman season.
Also working against Jackson was his own body. He weighed 235 pounds coming out of high school, and on his legit 6-foot-5 frame, there was literally not enough meat on the bone. He needed to bulk up, which is something he clearly prioritized as he sat, learned, and developed behind Zach Harrison, Tuimoloau, and others.
Now weighing in at 250+ pounds, Jackson looks the part of a fearsome pass rusher, as well as an integral part of the Buckeyes’ 2023 defensive line rotation.
Without putting too much on the guy, Jackson now resembles Chase Young: tall, broad shoulders, big ol’ biceps on his long arms, you get the picture. And he played/practiced a lot like Young throughout the entire spring.
First, Jackson was credited with two sacks and drew a holding penalty on March 25, during OSU’s first open practice. Then, during the team’s student appreciation day scrimmage, he was credited with a strip sack and made frequent visits to the backfield. Finally, on April 15, he was one of five Buckeyes credited with a sack in the Buckeyes’ annual spring game. That sack total alone (four) would have put him in a tie for third on last year’s team!
Now, we should probably acknowledge a few things here: Jackson was going against a new offensive line, in a controlled setting, and got to the quarterback four times — out of 100+ reps, I’m sure. So I don’t want to overreact, but I also can’t help myself. Which is why I would be shocked and disappointed if we do not see Jackson on the field consistently this season. Especially for a team that lacked edge pressure(s) in 2022.
Because Jackson committed to Ohio State as a top-60 overall recruit, he seemed like a player who could make early contributions as a situational pass rusher. And with (at least) adequate size, long arms, and plenty of bend, I honestly expected him to see the field before Caden Curry. Then, as the season went along and OSU struggled to get pressure, I said to myself: “Please, for the love of Vernon Gholston, give me somebody in this rotation with a little juice.” But it just never happened for Jackson, and he failed to see game action post-Rutgers (10/1).
Then came offseason transfer rumors, which were admittedly never given legs by Jackson or Ohio State. But they did exist, and some fans became worried. Fortunately, all appears to be going quite well on the Jackson front, as he has been making serious noise for Larry Johnson, Jim Knowles, and the Buckeyes’ defense in general.
Now this super sophomore appears poised to (finally) play a major role. And the timing could not be better. Because not only does OSU need a boost in the pass rush, but the team also needs bodies at defensive end. Gone are Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptise, both of whom played a ton of snaps in 2022 yet failed to produce much in the sack department. Jack Sawyer will presumably take over Harrison’s (DE) starting spot opposite Tuimolau, but depth, consistency, and production are still very sorely needed.
That is where Jackson comes in.
He (Jackson), along with Curry and Omari Abor, should give the Buckeyes a bunch of talented options to send at opposing quarterbacks. And Jackson seems to be the most dangerous of the bunch, even when taking into consideration Curry’s occasional flashes of brilliance last year.
Curry has the heart of a lion and might lead Ohio State in sacks in the future, but he still seems like a bit of a tweener to me. Jackson, on the other hand, was built in a football lab. If all three “backups” end up eating into the upperclassmen’s snaps, then so be it. Because OSU needs to put pressure on opposing QBs, and nobody should care where or who it comes from.
Keep an eye on Kenyatta Jackson in 2023, and do not be surprised if he begins to challenge Tuimolou or Sawyer for a starting role. That might sound blasphemous, but the two presumed starters – who I do fully expect to terrorize opponents – have only combined for 14 career sacks in Columbus.
So unless Chase Young himself walks back into The Woody, no current defensive lineman should be guaranteed a season-long gig, Tuimoloau and Sawyer included. But if Jackson is nipping at their heels, it likely means that Ohio State has a fearsome front four and not enough snaps to go around, which is ultimately a good problem to have.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Now bigger, badder, and more confident thanks to a strong spring, Jackson should play a major role up front for Larry Johnson’s Rushmen.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about players to watch this upcoming season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Player to Watch” articles here.
Kenyatta Jackson committed to Ohio State as a top-5 true edge rusher (in the 2022 class) but did not enroll until June of last year. This put him slightly behind the 8-ball, similar to what we saw with J.T. Tuimoloau prior to his freshman season.
Also working against Jackson was his own body. He weighed 235 pounds coming out of high school, and on his legit 6-foot-5 frame, there was literally not enough meat on the bone. He needed to bulk up, which is something he clearly prioritized as he sat, learned, and developed behind Zach Harrison, Tuimoloau, and others.
Now weighing in at 250+ pounds, Jackson looks the part of a fearsome pass rusher, as well as an integral part of the Buckeyes’ 2023 defensive line rotation.
Without putting too much on the guy, Jackson now resembles Chase Young: tall, broad shoulders, big ol’ biceps on his long arms, you get the picture. And he played/practiced a lot like Young throughout the entire spring.
First, Jackson was credited with two sacks and drew a holding penalty on March 25, during OSU’s first open practice. Then, during the team’s student appreciation day scrimmage, he was credited with a strip sack and made frequent visits to the backfield. Finally, on April 15, he was one of five Buckeyes credited with a sack in the Buckeyes’ annual spring game. That sack total alone (four) would have put him in a tie for third on last year’s team!
Now, we should probably acknowledge a few things here: Jackson was going against a new offensive line, in a controlled setting, and got to the quarterback four times — out of 100+ reps, I’m sure. So I don’t want to overreact, but I also can’t help myself. Which is why I would be shocked and disappointed if we do not see Jackson on the field consistently this season. Especially for a team that lacked edge pressure(s) in 2022.
Because Jackson committed to Ohio State as a top-60 overall recruit, he seemed like a player who could make early contributions as a situational pass rusher. And with (at least) adequate size, long arms, and plenty of bend, I honestly expected him to see the field before Caden Curry. Then, as the season went along and OSU struggled to get pressure, I said to myself: “Please, for the love of Vernon Gholston, give me somebody in this rotation with a little juice.” But it just never happened for Jackson, and he failed to see game action post-Rutgers (10/1).
Then came offseason transfer rumors, which were admittedly never given legs by Jackson or Ohio State. But they did exist, and some fans became worried. Fortunately, all appears to be going quite well on the Jackson front, as he has been making serious noise for Larry Johnson, Jim Knowles, and the Buckeyes’ defense in general.
Now this super sophomore appears poised to (finally) play a major role. And the timing could not be better. Because not only does OSU need a boost in the pass rush, but the team also needs bodies at defensive end. Gone are Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptise, both of whom played a ton of snaps in 2022 yet failed to produce much in the sack department. Jack Sawyer will presumably take over Harrison’s (DE) starting spot opposite Tuimolau, but depth, consistency, and production are still very sorely needed.
That is where Jackson comes in.
He (Jackson), along with Curry and Omari Abor, should give the Buckeyes a bunch of talented options to send at opposing quarterbacks. And Jackson seems to be the most dangerous of the bunch, even when taking into consideration Curry’s occasional flashes of brilliance last year.
Curry has the heart of a lion and might lead Ohio State in sacks in the future, but he still seems like a bit of a tweener to me. Jackson, on the other hand, was built in a football lab. If all three “backups” end up eating into the upperclassmen’s snaps, then so be it. Because OSU needs to put pressure on opposing QBs, and nobody should care where or who it comes from.
Keep an eye on Kenyatta Jackson in 2023, and do not be surprised if he begins to challenge Tuimolou or Sawyer for a starting role. That might sound blasphemous, but the two presumed starters – who I do fully expect to terrorize opponents – have only combined for 14 career sacks in Columbus.
So unless Chase Young himself walks back into The Woody, no current defensive lineman should be guaranteed a season-long gig, Tuimoloau and Sawyer included. But if Jackson is nipping at their heels, it likely means that Ohio State has a fearsome front four and not enough snaps to go around, which is ultimately a good problem to have.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State makes short list for two big 2024 targets, set to host important guests this weekend for official visits
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State makes short list for two big 2024 targets, set to host important guests this weekend for official visits
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only June 2, but this month is already off to a busy recruiting start for the Buckeyes.
June is going to be incredibly important for recruiting Ohio State’s 2024 class, and Thursday the ball got rolling. With a staff fully invested into making these next few weeks count, the news is going to be coming quickly. Fortunately, playing host to this many top targets looks to bode well for Ohio State’s chances at turning some of them into commitments, and yesterday a step was taken in the right direction by a top in-state target in the 2024 class.
Springfield, Ohio native Aaron Scott may be one of the more talked about players in the 2024 class for the Buckeyes, and it’s because of how important he is to land. A position of need for sure, it only gets more serious because of the fact that he’s as highly ranked as he is and because he’s an in-state kid. Though he’s been in the midst of some Twitter drama with the team up north, things have come back down to earth the last couple of weeks for Scott’s chances of ending up staying close to home.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday to announce his top five schools list, Scott kept Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio State in the mix. The No. 56 player nationally, Scott is the sixth best corner in the class and the second ranked player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite, and already has some official visits in the works.
Fresh off a visit to Oregon, Scott is going through the process seriously, and while most recruitments this close to home seem to go in Ohio State’s favor, there’s plenty of work still to be done and June will be another chance at doing just that.
Keeping with the trend of top schools lists, Ohio State saw more good news in terms of staying in the mix when another big time defensive target shared his latest recruiting update. A 6-foot-5, 290 pound defensive lineman, Louisiana native Dominick McKinley narrowed down his thoughts to just six programs with nearly 30 offers to his name. The No. 29 player nationally, McKinley is also the fifth best player at his position and the top player in his state per the 247Sports Composite.
Rounding out the finalists, Ohio State was joined by Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and Georgia to still be in consideration. The Buckeyes will be hosting McKinley this weekend as he arrives in Columbus on Friday for his official visit, and Larry Johnson will be all over this one.
After his trip though, Dominick has official visits set to Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Texas with just one more still available to be scheduled. Typically you want the last visit, but the Buckeyes are just glad to have him on campus. If any program is good at setting the bar high, certainly Ohio State is right at the top.
In Columbus for a multiple day stop, Nigel already has other official visits planned in the coming weeks to Penn State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Texas. It won’t be easy to pull this four-star, but if there’s a few states the Buckeyes tend to well in, certainly Texas is in that grouping. Keep a close eye on this one this weekend.
Edge rusher Cedric Works (Clayton, Ohio/Northmont) will camp at Ohio State on June 15. The No. 352 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite for the 2025 class, Cedric currently holds nearly double-digit offers to his name from the likes of Boston College, Kentucky, and Pitt, but this summer he’s looking to add to that list.
Getting a chance to work with the coaches this summer will be a big opportunity for him, but also a chance for the staff to see how he’s progressing and if they’ll look to make him a more serious contender on their big board.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only June 2, but this month is already off to a busy recruiting start for the Buckeyes.
June is going to be incredibly important for recruiting Ohio State’s 2024 class, and Thursday the ball got rolling. With a staff fully invested into making these next few weeks count, the news is going to be coming quickly. Fortunately, playing host to this many top targets looks to bode well for Ohio State’s chances at turning some of them into commitments, and yesterday a step was taken in the right direction by a top in-state target in the 2024 class.
Springfield, Ohio native Aaron Scott may be one of the more talked about players in the 2024 class for the Buckeyes, and it’s because of how important he is to land. A position of need for sure, it only gets more serious because of the fact that he’s as highly ranked as he is and because he’s an in-state kid. Though he’s been in the midst of some Twitter drama with the team up north, things have come back down to earth the last couple of weeks for Scott’s chances of ending up staying close to home.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday to announce his top five schools list, Scott kept Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio State in the mix. The No. 56 player nationally, Scott is the sixth best corner in the class and the second ranked player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite, and already has some official visits in the works.
Fresh off a visit to Oregon, Scott is going through the process seriously, and while most recruitments this close to home seem to go in Ohio State’s favor, there’s plenty of work still to be done and June will be another chance at doing just that.
Five-star defensive lineman trims his schools list to six
Keeping with the trend of top schools lists, Ohio State saw more good news in terms of staying in the mix when another big time defensive target shared his latest recruiting update. A 6-foot-5, 290 pound defensive lineman, Louisiana native Dominick McKinley narrowed down his thoughts to just six programs with nearly 30 offers to his name. The No. 29 player nationally, McKinley is also the fifth best player at his position and the top player in his state per the 247Sports Composite.
Rounding out the finalists, Ohio State was joined by Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and Georgia to still be in consideration. The Buckeyes will be hosting McKinley this weekend as he arrives in Columbus on Friday for his official visit, and Larry Johnson will be all over this one.
After his trip though, Dominick has official visits set to Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Texas with just one more still available to be scheduled. Typically you want the last visit, but the Buckeyes are just glad to have him on campus. If any program is good at setting the bar high, certainly Ohio State is right at the top.
BREAKING: Five-Star DL Dominick McKinley is down toSchools!
The 6’6 270 DL from Lafayette, LA is ranked as a Top 15 Player in the ‘24 Class (No. 3 DL)
Where Should He Go? https://t.co/zSRy6CI8R4 pic.twitter.com/6FXn4x3Xwt
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 1, 2023
Quick Hits
- One of the premier guests the Buckeyes will host all month, defensive lineman Nigel Smith II arrives in town for his official visit weekend on Friday. The No. 75 player nationally, Smith II is the 11th best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite and a guy Johnson would love to add to his defensive line haul.
In Columbus for a multiple day stop, Nigel already has other official visits planned in the coming weeks to Penn State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Texas. It won’t be easy to pull this four-star, but if there’s a few states the Buckeyes tend to well in, certainly Texas is in that grouping. Keep a close eye on this one this weekend.
- June is also a big month for camp days at Ohio State. Hosting talent from all over the country, kids will flock to Columbus looking to earn the prestigious Buckeye offer, and one in-state native in the 2025 class has booked his date to work out for the Buckeyes.
Edge rusher Cedric Works (Clayton, Ohio/Northmont) will camp at Ohio State on June 15. The No. 352 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite for the 2025 class, Cedric currently holds nearly double-digit offers to his name from the likes of Boston College, Kentucky, and Pitt, but this summer he’s looking to add to that list.
Getting a chance to work with the coaches this summer will be a big opportunity for him, but also a chance for the staff to see how he’s progressing and if they’ll look to make him a more serious contender on their big board.
Continue reading...
