We’re two days removed from one of the wildest Ohio State games in recent memory.
Nobody would have blamed you if you thought things would end badly after that first half, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba and C.J. Stroud carried OSU to victory.
Lots of Ohio State signees, commits and targets took notice of the win and reacted on social media. Starting with priority 2023 five-star wide receiver target Carnell Tate, wouldn’t you want to heavily consider the Buckeyes if you just watched what Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. did?
OMFG
— Carnell Tate (@carnelltate_) January 2, 2022
Marv is that guy.
— Carnell Tate (@carnelltate_) January 2, 2022
Tate wasn't the only five-star wide receiver paying attention.
Jaxon Smith Njigba300 yds
— BrandonSHOWTIME inniss (@brandon5star2) January 2, 2022
Plenty of Ohio State commits chimed in, too.
Twin!!! #keepdoubtingus https://t.co/sRe1P5rPGV
— CJ KING Hicks (@imcjhicks) January 2, 2022
— Devin Brown (@dbrownqb33) January 2, 2022
Go bucks!!
— Kyion Grayes II (@KyiongrayesII) January 2, 2022
Aye @jaxon_smith1 turn up gang
— Kenyatta Jackson Jr (@kjacksonjr_) January 1, 2022
Now thats grit #gobucks
— Tegra Masta T Tshabola (@tshabola_tegra) January 2, 2022
OH-IO
— Dallan Hayden1 (@DCH__2) January 2, 2022
.
— Ryan Turner (@RyanTurner_20) January 2, 2022
— Bennett Christian (@BennettC87) January 2, 2022
Abor believes Johnson will return
In case you missed it, Ohio State added to its top-four 2022 recruiting class on Sunday afternoon as four-star defensive end Omari Abor committed to OSU.
RT @DMNGregRiddle: Duncanville 4-star defensive lineman Omari Abor commits to Ohio State during todays Under Armour All-American Game.#txhsfb @SportsDayHS @Duncanville_Fb @DuncanvilleISD @247Sports @Rivals @dctf @ihss_dfw pic.twitter.com/OAyGvGwsiQ
— The Coach Radar (@The_Coach_Radar) January 3, 2022
As we explained Sunday, Abor isn’t necessarily 110 percent committed, as the kids say these days, considering he has not signed yet and still will take visits between now and National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
While Ohio State will have to fight off Texas and Texas A&M to keep Abor’s commitment, his decision to commit to Ohio State is an indicator that he expects Larry Johnson to stay on as Ohio State’s defensive line coach. There have been some rumors over the past month that Johnson could retire this offseason, but Abor said Sunday he expects Johnson to stick around.
“I know for a fact that he would be here for a while,” Abor told The Athletic at Sunday’s Under Armour All-America Game. “I feel comfortable.”
Abor wasn’t the only Ohio State-bound recruit who played in the All-America Game. OSU signees C.J. Hicks, Gabe Powers and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. also played in Sunday’s contest, in which Hicks had five tackles and a pass breakup and Jackson Jr. had multiple tackles for loss. The four posed for a photo after the contest that is sure to excite Buckeye fans excited about the potential for Ohio State’s defense in the future.
The future is BRIGHT in Columbus. @LettermenRow pic.twitter.com/CMzun0M2R4
— Joseph Hastings (@JosephAHastings) January 2, 2022
Eleven Warriors heads to the All-American Bowl
Starting on Tuesday, I will be in San Antonio for the 2022 All-American Bowl, which takes place on Saturday.
Nine total Ohio State signees will be playing in the game: Tegra Tshabola, Kojo Antwi, Jyaire Brown, Devin Brown, Kaleb Brown, Caleb Burton, Caden Curry, Kyion Grayes and George Fitzpatrick. Ohio State’s top three remaining 2022 targets will also be in attendance: Offensive lineman Carson Hinzman and defensive tackles Hero Kanu and Christen Miller. Kanu will announce his commitment on Saturday, and many expect Ohio State to be the pick. Miller will announce where he’ll sign on Feb. 2, while Hinzman is still undecided when he’ll announce his college decision.
Most of Ohio State’s signees and targets in the game will be playing on the West roster, though a few will be playing for the East team. How it breaks down:
- East: Miller, Tshabola, Antwi, Jyaire Brown
- West: Kanu, Hinzman, Devin Brown, Kaleb Brown, Burton, Curry, Grayes, Fitzpatrick.
Check Eleven Warriors throughout the week and follow me on Twitter for coverage from the event.
