Kenyatta Jackson Sr., the father of talented 2022 defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., said a few weeks ago that he was “making it his mission” to get his son to attend Ohio State.
The seventh-rated edge rusher and the 75th-best prospect in the class of 2022 is in the final stages of his recruitment. Jackson Sr. told Eleven Warriors recently that Jackson Jr. is down to OSU and Oklahoma, with it being a “50-50” heat.
So that’s why the Jacksons’ visit to Columbus on July 28 was so critical. The pair left campus feeling confident about the Buckeyes.
“Visit went tremendous,” Jackson Sr. said. “It was magnificent in everything that took place. I can’t complain, my son loved it. Of course, the coaches were happy also.”
COLUMBUS!!
— Kenyatta Jackson Jr (@_21shotz) July 28, 2021
Jackson Jr.’s official visit came as a host of other recruits also visited campus for the Buckeye Bash & BBQ, including his Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, Florida) teammate and Ohio State defensive back commit Ryan Turner. The duo have been friends since they were 13 years old.
It was Jackson Jr.’s second visit to Columbus of the summer after the four-star recruit took a trip to campus in late June.
“Both visits are business moves, that’s how I take it, but this one was more of a fun festivity with the recruits and coaches,” Jackson Sr. said. “We had a mini cookout and dodgeball, knockout shootout with basketballs in the gym, players vs. the coaches.”
Both Jacksons also had a meeting with OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Johnson is one of the main reasons OSU has made the younger Jackson’s final two.
“Every time we get around him, it’s something about coach Larry Johnson,” Jackson Sr. said. “He has heavy wisdom, we love everything about him. He’s a great mentor and authentic model for recruits. I can trust my son with coach Larry Johnson from afar if my son decides to go to Ohio State.”
A third visit this year will be coming. It’s just a matter of when.
“Most definitely,” Jackson Sr. said of attending a game in the fall. “We should be there during the season. It’ll have to be based off my son’s schedule. We’ll see if they have a bye week. Once that happens, I hope we can get to a home game.”
Although the Oregon game is a popular game for prospective recruits to attend, that one will be off the table for the Jacksons. Instead, they will be attending Oklahoma’s home matchup against Western Carolina on Sept. 11.
McClain puts OSU in top five
Another five-star 2023 cornerback has included Ohio State among his top schools.
Cormani McClain, the 20th-best prospect and third-best cornerback in the class, announced his top five Thursday evening.
On A Mission To Success I Will Love To Thank EveryOne During My Recruitment process nd Still Thank The Ones Who Downed Me Im Blessed To Say I Have A Top 5 Always Knew I Was Going To Live This Life Style And Be A Big Impact As A Kid....But We Up Now!!!
— 7.Loading (@CormaniMcClain2) August 5, 2021
MY TOP 5 pic.twitter.com/6ux4HbNJ44
His announcement came just hours after Tony Mitchell, the No. 1 cornerback in the class, put the Buckeyes in his top 10.
McClain, a Florida resident, was offered by the Buckeyes in February. Other schools included in his top five include Miami, Florida, Florida State and Alabama.
Ohio State is in the running for all of the top three cornerbacks in the class of 2023, as it's among the frontrunners to land No. 2 cornerback AJ Harris, who plans to attend the Buckeyes’ home opener against Oregon on Sept. 11.
Hasz headed to Oklahoma
The No. 2 tight end in the class of 2023 is staying home.
Luke Hasz, a Bixby, Oklahoma resident, announced his commitment to the Sooners Friday afternoon, picking Oklahoma over Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Arkansas, & Oklahoma State.
AGTG. STAYING HOME. BOOMER SOONER. HORNS DOWN. #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/3T39OoCdp0
— Luke Hasz (@LukeHasz5) August 6, 2021
Hasz is rated the 55th-best prospect and the best from the state of Oklahoma for the class of 2023.
Eight other tight ends in the 2023 class with Ohio State offers remain uncommitted, including No. 1 tight end Duce Robinson, along with Riley Williams (No. 6), Ty Lockwood (No. 7) and Walker Lyons (No. 9).
