Sonny Styles

ohio state buckeyes AvatarEnrolled
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2022
S / 6-4 / 205
Pickerington Central
Pickerington, OH

Ohio State

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Recruiting Class of 2022
98.73
Natl.
4
ATH
2
OH
1
On3 DB / Sonny Styles

As a College Recruit

A unique defensive prospect with the size, athleticism and movement skills to potentially make plays at all three levels of a defense. Combines 6-foot-4, 220-pound size with top-flight athleticism. Posted combine numbers that are better than many top defensive backs and wide receivers – some of the best marks we saw during the spring camp circuit. Athleticism transfers over to the field where he makes “wow” plays at a high rate. Plays at safety for his high school and is a smooth, fluid mover in space. Has movement patterns that belie his size. Shows deep range at safety with the ability to play hash to boundary. Makes plays on the ball at its highest point. Possesses some vicious striking power as a hitter and physical presence. Closes quickly and flashes the top-end speed on interception returns. Has blocked several kicks as a junior. Size, athleticism and coordination are unique and give him the ability to impact games as a defensive back, linebacker or potential pass rusher. Has the upside of being a true moveable chess piece for a defensive coordinator. Can continue to clean up his tackling technique. Doubles as an above-the-rim basketball player with mid-major offers on the hardwood.

Reminds Us Of
Anthony Barr Avatar
Anthony BarrEDGE/6-5/255
94.95
ucla bruins Avatar
HS Class of 2010
minnesota vikings Avatar
2014Draft: Rnd1 /Pick9

Like Anthony Barr, Sonny Styles is a unique jumbo athlete who ultimately projects as a versatile front seven defender. Barr was a 6-foot-4, 230-pound prolific high school running back with track speed. Styles is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound high school safety with strong combine results in addition to being an above-the-rim basketball player. Barr spent his first two years at UCLA as an offensive player before making the switch to defense. He was one of college football’s best defenders in his final two years as a Bruin, totaling 23.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss before becoming a top ten pick. In addition to the physical and athletic resemblance, we see Styles having similar versatility with the ability to line up as a jumbo off-ball linebacker and pass rusher similar to Barr.

Videos

Highlights

Sophomore Year

Scouting Journal

8/01/21

Sonny Styles rated as a 5-star in On3's initial Top 100

Charles Power•

Sonny Styles debuted as one of 10 five-star prospects in On3's initial Top 100 for the 2023 cycle. He's 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and has the athleticism and fluidity of a top defensive back prospect. Styles played safety his sophomore year at Pickerington (Ohio) Pickerington Central. He's a playmaker on the back end and helped the team to the state title game. We got to see his athleticism confirmed this spring. Styles ripped off a 4.67-second electronically-timed 40-yard dash and had a 126-inch broad jump at an Under Armour camp. For perspective, those numbers are better than what we have seen from the vast majority of top defensive back and wide receiver prospects.