Buckeye football fans can celebrate yet another exciting commitment to the class of 2021. Highly sought after DB/LB Jaylen Johnson from Cincinnati, Lasalle High School made his verbal commitment to Ohio State on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

His commitment is definitely an early surprise as he previously stated he would not commit until his father’s birthday on May 22, 2020. He and his father had agreed to allow the full recruiting process to play out until then.

Ohio State Camp

Jaylen attended the one day camp on the campus of Ohio State in the summer before the beginning of his 2019-2020 junior season at Lasalle High School. Coach Al Washington (LBs) liked what he saw from his performance and Johnson was offered that day. He mentioned that Jaylen was one of the hardest working prospects being recruited at the time.

Collectively, coaches Al Washington, Jeff Hafley (co-DC/secondary) and Ryan Day (HC) recruited the Cincinnati native. Between the month of September and now, coaches Washington and Day were in consistent contact with Jaylen via text, nurturing the relationship and trust in the progress of the OSU defense.

The bullet position currently played by the returning Shaun Wade is highly intriguing to him as he presents a similar skillset. Johnson has proved to be a class act and has mentioned he is eager to play wherever he is needed.

Jaylen Johnson Offers

The top-ten player from Ohio was offered scholarships by more than 15 FBS football programs and was closely speaking with Cincinnati, Perdue, Northwestern and the University of Kentucky. Two Cincinnati, OH class of 2020 commits, Jake Seibert (K) and Joe Royer (TE), both played a role in building interest and often talked to Jaylen about committing to Ohio State. The OSU class of 2020 includes a total of 5 players all from the city of Cincinnati. Other schools that offered include Akron, Boston College, Central Michigan, Indiana, Iowa State, Liberty, Louisville, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Toledo, West Virginia, and Western Michigan.

Jaylen Johnson Decision

What ultimately led Jaylen Johnson to select Ohio State? Jaylen said that the stadium atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the fans drive him to play his best. He visited the OSU campus in March, April, June, and September of 2019. Hearing the term “leadership” used persistently during his visits left a strong and positive impression on the young man.

His academic aspirations point toward a future in business and engineering or sports broadcasting. This also contributed to making one of the biggest decisions in his life thus far.

Jaylen Johnson Ultimate Highlights // 2021 Ohio State S Commit // La Salle Cincinnati, OH

What Jaylen Johnson Gives OSU

Why should Buckeye fans be excited? Jaylen Johnson is a 6’1”, 212 lbs. defensive hybrid player who rockets to the ball on every play and explodes through ball carriers. He liked being recruited as a safety and is comfortable from the outside linebacker position as well. Sure tackling in the open field is consistently displayed on film and opposing receivers struggle to block him.

Johnson is the 8th commitment to the #1 ranked recruiting class of 2021 so far. Head Coach Ryan Day is building upon the recruiting success of his predecessor Urban Meyer. The two have managed to raise the standard of Ohio State recruiting classes from top 15 to now, top 5. The recruiting hotbed Cincinnati is again seized by the Ohio State Buckeyes and they are currently leading atop the list of many elite players around the country.

Jaylen Johnson out with a Torn ACL

During the first week of Fall camp 2021, Johnson torn an ACL and will miss the season recovering. He is expected to play the bullet position when he is ready to come back. Kourt Williams, who suffered the same injury in 2020, is now slated to fill the spot.