Top 50 Ohio high school football players from the Class of 2021

The race to secure Ohio’s top talent is nearing completion. Of the Buckeye State’s Top 50 prospects, only 10 haven't declared their college intentions.

Not surprisingly, Ohio State leads the way with seven of the state’s top 12 prospects, including the first five. After that, West Virginia and Cincinnati are tied with five commits each. Kentucky comes in fourth with three.

Of Ohio’s Top 50 prospects, 20 will call the Big Ten home. Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Rutgers each have two Ohio commits. Penn State, Purdue and Michigan State have notched one.

Twenty-seven of the prospects — including eight receivers and eight linemen — man offensive positions.

6-foot-5 | 220 | SDE | Ohio State
No. 3 overall prospect regardless of position nationally. Had 17 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss last season. Doubles as a quarterback (passed for 977 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 361 yards and six touchdowns). First team OPSWA (Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association) D-I All-Ohio.

2. Michael Hall Jr, Streetsboro
6-3 | 290 | DT | Ohio State
No. 5 defensive tackle prospect nationally. First team OPSWA D-III All-Ohio. Had 68 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, four caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries last year. Owns 17 offers including Alabama, Arizona State, Minnesota, Michigan State, Tennessee and Penn state.

3. Jayden Ballard, Washington (Massillon)
6-2 | 175 | WR | Ohio State
Nation’s No. 11 receiver prospect. Committed to Ohio State over Notre Dame, Michigan State, Penn State, Pitt and Washington State. Caught 68 passes for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns last season for OHSAA D-II state runner-up. First team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

4. Reid Carrico, Ironton
6-3 | 225 | ILB | Ohio State
No. 2 inside linebacker prospect in the country. Holds 30 offers including Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, LSU and Oklahoma. Reigning OPSWA D-V defensive player of the year.

5. Ben Christman, Revere (Richfield)
6-6 | 299 | OT | Ohio State
Country’s No. 15 tackle prospect. First team OPSWA D-III All-Ohio. Added 52 tackles and seven tackles-for-loss on defense. Holds 22 offers, including Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Pitt and Florida.

6. Lorenzo Styles, Pickerington Central
6-1 | 170 | WR | Notre Dame
Nation’s No. 18 receiver prospect. Holds 18 offers. Picked the Fighting Irish over Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Auburn, Florida and Pitt. First team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

7. Corey Kiner, Roger Bacon (Cincinnati)
5-10 | 205 | RB | LSU
Country’s No. 10 running back prospect. Ran for 2,298 yards and 40 touchdowns last season. Holds 20-plus offers, including Louisville, Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, USC and Wisconsin. Committed to LSU. First team OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio.

8. Najee Story, Solon
6-4 | 235 | SDE | Northwestern
Nation’s 17th ranked strong side defensive end prospect. Picked Northwestern over Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan and Tennessee among others.

9. Jaylen Anderson, Perry
5-11 | 212 | RB | West Virginia
West Virginia commit is the country’s 18th ranked running back prospect. Ran for 1,086 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 51 passes for 883 yards and 11 touchdowns last season en route to being named first team OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio. Has 2,642 career rushing yards and 34 touchdowns and 1,642 career receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Chose the Mountaineers over Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pitt, Louisville and Georgia Tech.

10. Jack Pugh, Hilliard Bradley
6-5 | 235 | TE | Wisconsin
No. 12 tight end prospect nationally. Wisconsin commit holds 20 offers, including Minnesota, Northwestern, Pitt and West Virginia.

11. Jaylen Johnson, La Salle (Cincinnati)
6-1 | 200 | S | Ohio State
A top 25 safety prospect nationally. Had 61 tackles and 10 tackles-for-loss last year. Holds 15 offers, including Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, Purdue and Indiana.

12. Devonta Smith, LaSalle (Cincinnati)
6-0 | 185 | CB | Ohio State
A top 30 cornerback prospect nationally. Ohio State commit had 38 tackles and three interceptions last season.

13. Rod Moore, Northmont (Clayton)
5-11 | 180 | S | Michigan
A top 30 safety prospect nationally. Had 66 tackles and four interceptions last season. Owns 25 offers, including Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Pitt, Iowa, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

14. Kyree Young, Buchtel (Akron)
6-1 | 200 | RB | Undecided
Top 30 running back prospect nationally holds 11 offers, including Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Nebraska, Pitt, Purdue and West Virginia. Kentucky is considered his favorite. Previously enrolled at Barberton before transferring prior to last year.

15. Devon Williams, Dublin Coffman
6-1 | 215 | OLB | Minnesota
Committed to Kentucky in January before making the switch to Minnesota in April. According to 247sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu, Williams “Makes plays in every phase of the game.” Country’s No. 31 ranked OLB prospect.

16. Mitchell Evans, Wadsworth
6-7 | 240 | TE | Undecided
A top 25 tight end prospect nationally. Holds 22 offers, including Indiana, Cincinnati, Louisville, Central Florida and Iowa State. Michigan State is considered the favorite.

17. Darryl Peterson, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
6-3 | 235 | SDE | Wisconsin
Holds offers from Alabama, Michigan and West Virginia among others. Wisconsin commit named First team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio after setting a school record for sacks in a season (21). Had 45 tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss and three-forced fumbles. Two-year starter.

18. Markus Allen, Northmont (Clayton)
6-2 | 190 | WR | Michigan
Top 100 receiver prospect nationally caught 51 passes for 1,099 yards and 15 touchdowns (new school single-season record) last season after transferring from Xenia. Holds 30 offers. Picked the Wolverines over Wisconsin, West Virginia, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Pitt and Kentucky among others. Is the first receiver commit in Michigan’s 2021 class.

19. Bryon Threats, Dublin Coffman
5-10 | 190 | ATH | Purdue
A top 40 athlete prospect nationally. Picked the Boilermakers over Michigan state, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Boston College and Iowa State among others. Third team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

20. Andrew Wilson-Lamp, Washington (Massillon)
6-3 | 175 | WR | West Virginia
Top 100 receiver prospect nationally. Has picked up offers from Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt since committing to the Mountaineers in January. Special mention OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

21. Armond Scott, Euclid
6-3 | 200 | WR | Kentucky
Top 100 receiver prospect nationally. Holds 10 offers, including Boston College, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Wake Forest and Michigan State.

22. Damon Ollison ll, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
6-0 | 215 | OLB | Undecided
Holds offer from Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Arizona State and Rutgers. Considered a top 40 OLB prospect nationally. First team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

23. Jamarius Dinkins, Walnut Ridge (Columbus)
6-6 | 255 | SDE | Undecided
Top 40 SDE prospect nationally holds 12 offers, including Cincinnati, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan State and Iowa State. Third team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

24. Marquael Parks, Orrville
5-9 | 160 | ATH | Undecided
Two-time first team OPSWA D-V All-Ohio owns 121 career touchdowns, which ranks second all-time in Ohio history. Should break the record (133) next season. Had 3,089 all-purpose yards, including 2,285 rushing, this season. Scored 43 touchdowns (rushing, receiving, kick return and fumble return). Defensively had four interceptions. Holds nine offers, including Purdue, Cincinnati, Army, Ohio, Temple and Toledo. Top 50 athlete prospect nationally.

25. Liam Clifford, St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
6-1 | 195 | ATH | Penn State
Greater Catholic League South Division’s leading receiver last year with 77 receptions for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns. Top 50 athlete prospect nationally picked the Nittany Lions over Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, Pitt, Duke, Cincinnati, Kentucky and Toledo. Second team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

26. Mao Glynn, Walnut Hills (Cincinnati)
6-4 | 280 | G | Cincinnati
Top 30 guard prospect nationally. Holds 14 offers, including West Virginia, Virginia, Pitt, NC State, Rutgers and Louisville. Third team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

27. Bam Booker, Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
6-3 | 220 | OLB | Undecided
Holds 16 offers, including California, Cincinnati, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue and Rutgers. A top 40 OLB prospect nationally. Second team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

28. Hammond Russell, Dublin Coffman
6-3 | 245 | SDE | West Virginia
Picked the Mountaineers over Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan State, Purdue, Pitt and Kentucky among others. Considered a top 50 SDE prospect nationally. Honorable mention OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

29. A.J. Kirk, Dublin Coffman
6-0 | 200 | S | Undecided
The younger brother of former Ohio State and NFL star Mike Doss holds 16 offers including Ohio State, Florida, Arizona State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan and Minnesota. The Buckeyes are listed as his favorite.

30. Shawn Gates, East (Akron)
6-0 | 175 | CB | Boston College
Top 60 cornerback prospect picked BC over Michigan State, Iowa State and several Mid-American Conference schools.

31. David Wohlabaugh, Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls)
6-6 | 280 | OT | Kentucky
Family has a history of football prowess. Father (David) played nine seasons in the NFL after starring at Syracuse. Brother (Jack) signed with Ohio State before transferring to Duke (where he starts on the OL). Picked the Wildcats over Arizona State, Purdue, Pitt, Maryland, West Virginia and others. Top 75 tackle prospect nationally.

32. Paul Rodriguez, Mason
6-5.5 | 305 | OT | Kentucky
Top 75 tackle prospect nationally. Selected Kentucky over Cincinnati, Iowa State, Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers and others.

33. Aiden Hubbard, St. Ignatius (Cleveland)
6-4 | 218 | OLB | Northwestern
Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Minnesota, Purdue, Virginia and Washington State among suitors. A top 50 OLB prospect nationally.

34. Iesa Jarmon, LaSalle (Cincinnati)
6-1 | 180 | CB | Cincinnati
Holds 20 offers. Selected the Bearcats over Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Northwestern and Pitt among others. Had 31 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. A top 65 cornerback prospect nationally.

35. Treylan Davis, Jackson
6-5 | 215 | TE | West Virginia
A top 50 tight end prospect nationally. Decommitted from Cincinnati in April before committing to West Virginia in May. Also holds offers from Arkansas and several MAC schools. Third team OPSWA All-Ohio.

A top 100 tackle prospect nationally. Holds 24 offers, including Arizona State, Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa State, Kentucky, Purdue, Tulane and Vanderbilt.

37.  Taeshaun Johnson, Central Catholic (Toledo)
5-11 | 185 | WR | Bowling Green
Picked BGSU over Army, Cincinnati, Youngstown State and seven MAC schools. Third team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

38. Dalen Stovall, Stow-Munroe Falls
6-3 | 180 | WR | Toledo
Future Rocket holds 12 offers, including Kentucky, Ohio, Miami (Oh), Kent State, Bowling Green and Western Michigan among others. Honorable mention OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

39. Michael Gravely Jr., Glenville (Cleveland)
6-1 | 193 | S | Michigan State
Top 75 safety prospect nationally. Holds 12 offers including Colorado, Cincinnati, Pitt, Temple, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

40. Tamarion Crumpley, Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
6-0 | 175 | CB | Minnesota
Top 100 cornerback prospect nationally. Holds 16 offers including Boston College, Cincinnati, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Pitt and Toledo.

41. Cameron Junior, Middletown
6-1 | 210 | OLB | Undecided
Top 65 OLB prospect nationally registered 88 tackles, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries last year. Holds 13 offers including West Virginia, Pitt, Cincinnati, Army, Toledo, Bowling Green, Kent State and others. Second team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

42. Thomas Rimac, Brunswick
6-6 | 290 | OT | West Virginia
Holds 17 offers, including Cincinnati, Indiana, Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue, Wisconsin and Louisville. Says Trieu, “Has a prototypical frame and in the course of a year, has gone from 240 pounds to 270 to now 290.” Honorable mention OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

43. Leroy Bowers, Princeton (Cincinnati)
6-2 | 200 | S | Cincinnati
Top 100 safety prospect nationally. Holds 10 offers, including Kentucky, Maryland, Pitt, Toledo and Bowling Green.

44. Brady Lichtenberg, St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)
6-2 | 190 | Pro QB | Cincinnati
Cincinnati commit selected the Bearcats over Ohio, Bowling Green, Akron, eastern Michigan, Kent State, Toledo and Western Michigan. Top 40 pro-style quarterback prospect nationally. Two-time OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

45. Kevin Toth, Hudson
6-6 | 270 | OT | Rutgers
Holds 12 offers, including Army, Toledo, Kent State, Massachusetts and Akron.

46. Garner Wallace, Pickerington Central
6-5 | 185 | S | Undecided
Top 100 safety prospect nationally. Holds five offers, including Louisville, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo and Miami (Oh).

47. Carston Marshall, Wadsworth
6-3 | 205 | OLB | Iowa State
Top 100 OLB prospect nationally. Holds seven offers, including Akron, Army, Buffalo, Toledo, Western Michigan and Princeton.

48. Landon Fickell, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
6-5 | 275 | OG | Cincinnati
Will play for his father Luke — the head coach — at Cincinnati. Holds seven offers, including Akron, Dartmouth, Gardner-Webb, Toledo, Western Kentucky and Youngstown State.

49. Brayden Fox, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
6-3 | 200 | WR | Rutgers
Caught 41 passes for 915 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Holds 12 offers, including Michigan State, Army, western Michigan, Miami (Oh), Ball State and Akron. Special mention OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

50. Malik Verdon, Hamilton
6-3 | 185 | Dual QB | Undecided
Transfer from Moeller. Considered a Top 40 dual QB prospect nationally. Holds eight offers including Florida, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Kentucky.