Ohio State lands defensive end Jack Sawyer, who will be the next in the long line of talented Buckeye pass rushers.
Ohio State Lands Defensive End Jack Sawyer
Sawyer is the fourth-ranked player in the nation in the 2021 class according to 247Sports composite. He is the third-ranked strong-side defensive end in the nation and the top-ranked recruit from the state of Ohio. The was also named MaxPreps 2020 Preseason First-Team All-American.
A Pickerington, Ohio native, Sawyer favored Ohio State for most of his recruitment. Ohio State offered Sawyer a scholarship after Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and Kentucky had already done so. However, Sawyer committed to Ohio State on February 03, 2019.
Sawyer played at Pickerington North High School, which has produced several other current NFL players, such as former Buckeye Pat Elflein.
The Buckeyes recruited Sawyer as a defensive end, but he played quarterback in high school as well. At six-foot-five-inches and 248 lbs, Sawyer makes up for his average size with his physicality. He also has the quickness and reflexes to win in several different ways. He supplements his athleticism with a high motor. Between his quickness, strength, and grind, he can win several different ways.
In 2019, which was the last year Sawyer played, he had 37 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Ohio State is still trying to replace Chase Young on the edge. Zach Harrison has taken a step back this season, so an infusion of talent would be welcome. Along with Harrison, Sawyer would join Noah Potter, who was a four-star recruit in the 2020 class.
Defensive Line coach Larry Johnson has shown the ability to produce elite defensive ends. Sawyer has a chance to follow in the footsteps of Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa and become a top-five NFL draft pick at the position.
