Jerron Cage is back.
The five-year veteran on the Buckeye defensive line will be back for a sixth year at defensive tackle in 2022, as Ryan Day confirmed Monday he will use his super senior season of eligibility next year.
The four-star prospect in the class of 2017 dealt with a shoulder injury to start the 2021 season, but ended up logging 231 snaps as a rotational tackle and occasional starter for Larry Johnson on the interior.
Cage finished the season with 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and a scoop-and-score touchdown on a fumble recovery against Penn State on Oct. 31. Cage was named Ohio State's defensive player of the game for his efforts in the win over the Nittany Lions.
With the Buckeyes losing their top defensive tackle in Haskell Garrett, who opted out of the Rose Bowl and declared for the NFL draft, Cage's return could be important for the Buckeyes. Another starter at the position, Taron Vincent should be back for the Buckeyes next year as well, with younger talents like Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Hamilton poised to see more snaps on the inside as well.
