With 14 of its 22 signees invited to play in either the U.S. Army All-American Bowl or Under Armour All-America Game this week — the most of any school in the country — it's easy to see why Ohio State's second-ranked recruiting class is so well-regarded by the national media.
This group of future Buckeyes shined in practices throughout the week while playing against equal talent for what seems like the first time in their respective careers. That carried over into the games, as well, as each player contributed to his chance of winning.
With wide receiver signee Kamryn Babb, safety signee Josh Proctor and linebacker target Solomon Tuliaupupu sidelined with injuries, the West was a heavy underdog for Saturday's Army Bowl in San Antonio.
Defensive tackle signee Tommy Togiai and the defense were up to the challenge, though, and forced Clemson quarterback signee Trevor Lawrence to throw a pair of first-half interceptions on the way to a 17-16 win.
NAME | POS | TEAM | STATS |
---|---|---|---|
JAELEN GILL | RB | EAST | 3 carries for 5 yards, 1 catch for 1 yard |
JEREMY RUCKERT | TE | EAST | Game participation |
TARON VINCENT | DT | EAST | Game participation |
DALLAS GANT | LB | EAST | 2 tackles |
TYREKE JOHNSON | CB | EAST | 2 tackles |
MAX WRAY | OT | EAST | Game participation |
KAMRYN BABB | WR | WEST | DNP (torn ACL) |
JOSH PROCTOR | S | WEST | DNP (sprained ankle) |
TOMMY TOGIAI | DT | WEST | 3 tackles, 3 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble |
Meanwhile in Orlando, Cleveland Heights four-star defensive end Tyreke Smith committed to Ohio State prior to kickoff of the Under Armour game and then proceeded to lead all defensive players with five quarterback hurries.
Cornerback signee Sevyn Banks' fumble recovery set Team Highlight up in great field position early, as they rolled to a 23-21 win that was easier than the score would indicate.
NAME | POS | TEAM | STATS |
---|---|---|---|
SEVYN BANKS | CB | HIGHLIGHT | Fumble recovery |
MATTHEW JONES | OL | HIGHLIGHT | Game participation |
TERADJA MITCHELL | LB | HIGHLIGHT | 3 tackles |
TYREKE SMITH | DE | HIGHLIGHT | 5 QB hurries, 2 tackles |
BRIAN SNEAD | RB | HIGHLIGHT | 5 carries for 29 yards |