Every year, we get to learn the names, faces, and personalities of new freshmen arriving to play football for Ohio State. Each class brings five-stars, high four-stars and plenty of players we can't wait to see on the field.
But every now and then, a guy arrives and transcends the football stuff, making a bigger impression on the staff of Eleven Warriors. When Tyvis Powell stayed firm as the first commitment in Jim Tressel's final class, despite the turbulence of the coach's removal, and then followed it up with an open letter to fans, that meant something.
Years later, when Demario McCall brought his incredible collection of dirt bike photos, he became an instant favorite around Eleven Warriors HQ. He's been great ever since.
This year, it's offensive lineman Dawand Jones who has us buzzing.
Let's start with his size. The three-star prospect from Indianapolis' Ben Davis High School checks in at 6-foot-8, 360 pounds. He's the heaviest freshman to ever sign with Ohio State, and one inch shorter than the tallest, tackle Kevin Feder, who arrived in 2015 and soon found his way to Kansas via transfer.
What I'm trying to say is that Dawand Jones is the largest man to ever play football for Ohio State. Large enough for upperclassmen to take notice.
I think Ive just seen the REAL predator @youngchase907 https://t.co/pixmk38lCs
— Jeff Okudah (@jokudah_) June 2, 2019
But he's not just mass. The dude can move!
Saturday, Jones played in the annual all-star game featuring the best hardwood stars from Indiana taking on the best from the state of Kentucky. He wowed the Bankers Life Fieldhouse with his rim-rattling, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, and two swipes in Indiana's 120-74 victory.
The Offensive Tackle Dawand Jones going to work pic.twitter.com/aQJlFclagW
— MIC Network (@micnetworkIN) June 9, 2019
It was a bittersweet moment – a guy who grew up dreaming about playing in the NBA playing in what might be the final big basketball game of his career.
Big slam from Dawand Jones. I think the rim is still shaking. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/f32YHEJveC
— Akeem Glaspie (@THEAkeemGlaspie) June 9, 2019
“I’m always gonna say I love basketball,” Jones told Eleven Warriors in March. “But (football) does grow on me every time I play it. I love the physicality and stuff like that. So every time I play it, I just enjoy it even more.”
And that brings us to now. The largest player in Ohio State football history is on campus, ready to show America what he can do in major college football.
We're here for it. And would it be okay if we suggested a trick play or two featuring Jones?
