ESPN names this 2023 Ohio State verbal as their key commit

With the early signing period just around the corner and the fact that many players opt to end their recruiting at this time, it is time to look at who will be linchpins for every class. ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren looked at the top 25 classes and selected one recruit from each as their key verbal (subscription may be required).

For Ohio State, it was defense end Jason Moore, ESPN’s 53rd overall ranked player. VanHaaren views Moore as “a player who has room to refine his game, can be important in the pass rush.” He also mentions the possibility of adding Keon Keeley (don’t expect it) and Damon Wilson to the defensive line haul. He fails to mention Matayo Uiagalelei, who I believe is much more likely to join the class than Keeley.

VanHaaren is correct about depth at the position, as the Buckeyes have three seniors (Zach Harrison, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Tyler Friday) as the position. Ryan Day will have to find some younger players to step up next year to play opposite J.T. Tuimoloau.

The improvements on the defense do warrant a defender to be selected, but in my eyes it’s a member of the secondary that needs to be highlighted. The defensive back commits of Calvin Simpson-Hunt, malik hartford, Kayin Lee, Jayden Bonsu, cedrick hawkins or Jermaine Matthews would be on the list, but they are ranked lower than Moore.

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