Ohio State made a huge splash signing Sonny Styles on Wednesday.
The safety from Pickerington Central committed to Ohio State in November, but was originally planning on joining the Buckeyes in 2023. On Sunday, Styles reclassified and signed a full year earlier than expected.
Ohio State adds Styles to their list of talented in-state defensive players. C.J. Hicks is the top rated player in Ohio, who is joining the Buckeyes from the linebacker spot. According to 247Sports Composite, Styles slides into number two on the list after his reclassification.
Styles is the second five-star commitment for Ohio State in the 2022, and is a pleasant surprise right before Christmas.
Ohio State Lands Five-Star S Sonny Styles
The Buckeyes get a five-star safety out of Styles. In the 2022 class, Styles is the best safety in the nation and the 13th overall prospect.
Twenty-four schools offered him a scholarship, including Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, and Michigan. Notre Dame even emerged as the most likely school to land him over the summer. Even though he played his high school ball in the greater Columbus area, Pickerington Central has produced as many Michigan players as Buckeyes.
Taco Charlton and Justin Boren both crossed the border from Pickerington Central. Boren eventually transferred to Ohio State, leading his younger brothers Zach and Jacoby to play for the Buckeyes as well. Former defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton and former Ohio State hoops star Jae’Sean Tate came from the same school.
Styles is listed as a safety, but with a 6’4″ and 215 pound frame, he could move around. If Styles puts on a few more pounds, he could be the next great “bullet” for Ohio State. Ronnie Hickman plays there now, and had nearly twice as many tackles as anyone else in 2021.
For Ryan Day and incoming defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Styles gives them a lot of scheme flexibility on defense.
Main Image courtesy Sports Illustrated
