Bucks add defensive backs to 2021 class

While the games and even practices have come to a halt, the off-field pursuit of talent continues for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes’ 2021 recruiting class grew Sunday with a verbal commitment from Jakailin Johnson, a four-star cornerback from St. Louis, Mo., and again Monday when three-star defensive back Devonta Smith of Cincinnati La Salle also joined in.

“It’s been my dream of playing college football,” Johnson wrote in a note posted on social media, “and I’m extremely grateful for my parents, family and coaches that have support me through this process.

“I want to thank all the schools and coaches that recruited me and gave me the opportunity to play at the next level. With that being said I will be taking my talents to THE Ohio State University.”

He is the No. 4 cornerback and No. 59 player in the country according to 247Sports Composite rankings while Smith is the No. 32 CB in the country and 14th-best prospect in Ohio.

Smith had 38 tackles and three interceptions last season for the Lancers, who won the state champoinship in Division II. He also caught 11 passes for 271 yards and five touchdowns.

Ohio State announced last week it was suspending recruiting visits and off-campus recruiting in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus, and the NCAA followed by declaring a dead period for all member institutions.

That does not prohibit communication, however, so coaches and prospects will be able to stay in touch via phone, text and written correspondence.

Ohio State’s class ranks No. 1 in the country at this point with Clemson second and Florida third. The class has 12 members, including seven Ohioans.

Smith is the second La Salle DB and senior-to-be to commit to Ohio State, joining four-star prospect Jaylen

Johnson.

Getting them continues a Cincinnati splurge for the Buckeyes, who signed six players from the Queen City last year, including La Salle kicker Jake Seibert.

Recruiting Missouri used to be rare for Ohio State, but four players from the Show Me State have signed with the Buckeyes in the last two years: Cameron Brown and Kamnryn Babb of St. Louis Christian Brothers in 2018, Jameson Williams of St. Louis Cardinal Ritter in ’19 and Mookie Cooper of Maryland Heights Pattonville last year.

Prior to 2018, Ezekiel Elliott (St. Louis Burroughs in 2013) was the only Missouri signee for Ohio State since Reggie Germany in 1997.

Germany was one of three Ohio State signees from Missouri in the ‘90s, joining Jimmy Redmond, Will Hill and Butler By’not’e.

In other recruiting news, Ohio State made the final two of Troy Stellato, a fourstar receiver from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The nation’s No. 141 prospect is down to Ohio State or Clemson, and his father told 247Sports he has a great relationship with the coaching staffs at both schools.

Contact this reporter at 937225-2396 or email Marcus. Hartman@coxinc.com.