Breaking: Ohio State beats Oklahoma for 4-star EDGE Kenyatta Jackson

Alabama and Clemson were in the mix, but the battle for Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna EDGE Kenyatta Jackson came down to Ohio State and Oklahoma.

“I went back and forth for a long time between two schools,” Jackson said. “It was Oklahoma, then Ohio State, and it took me a while to figure things out.

“Me and my grandmother did some fasting, we prayed a lot, and that is when I figured out Ohio State is the school. I just kept praying about this with my grandmother, and we figured it out.

“It was really tough at the end to make this decision, but I know Ohio State is the right school. It was a strong gut feeling about Ohio State after all the prayers.”

Jackson’s commitment gives the Buckeyes 15 for the class of 2022. Ohio State is on pace to sign another top 10 class, and it could land in the top five.

Why did the Buckeyes beat the Sooners for Jackson?

Both schools have a lot to offer. Jackson connected with each coaching staff.

What set Ohio State apart from Oklahoma?

“It came down to my relationship with the staff, the history behind the school, and their development of defensive ends,” Jackson said. “Those things, my visits there, and my gut led me to pick Ohio State.”

Jackson has visited Columbus a couple of times. He was there once in June, then again in July, and there was one constant feeling when he was on the Ohio State campus.

“Family was what I felt when I was there both times. It was family vibes and that is what I was looking for.

“I have always wanted to go to college, get a degree, play great football, and feel like I am part of a family. That is what I am getting at Ohio State.”

Ohio State DL coach Larry Johnson got the news from Jackson first

Larry Johnson has been coaching college football since 1996. He started at Penn State and was working in Happy Valley until making the move to Ohio State in 2014.

He has created quite a name and reputation when it comes to coaching and developing defensive linemen.

“Coach Johnson is the best defensive line coach out there,” Jackson said. “He is a big reason why I liked Ohio State so much.

“He has done so much with defensive linemen, players believe in him, and he is the greatest defensive line coach in college football history.”

There is more to Johnson in Jackson’s eyes than just being a great coach. The person he is away from the game means a lot too.

“We have a really good relationship and he is like a grandfather to me. Coach Johnson is like family. I love him, my mom loves him, and we believe in him.

“He is a Christian man, he is about faith, and in my family, that is important. It is like we are already family.”

That trust and connection led to the call Jackson made to Johnson last week.

“When I made my decision last Tuesday, I called and told him first. Coach Johnson was the first person to know and he was excited.

“While he was jumping around, he told me this was the best decision I could have made. It was a great call and he now just can’t wait to coach me at Ohio State.”