Signed: Kenyatta Jackson Jr. adds even more explosion off the edge for Larry Johnson
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2022 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State will have no shortage of talented edge rushers in the years to come. Florida defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is next in line as he’s now officially an Ohio State Buckeye.
Jackson became the first commitment for Larry Johnson when he made his intentions known just two months ago. He’s now signed his Letter of Intent with the Buckeyes.
What does this addition do for Ohio State? Let’s break it down.
Who is Kenyatta Jackson Jr.?
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is a 6-foot-5, 238-pound defensive end who committed to Ohio State on Oct. 19, 2021.
On3 Consensus Ranking: 72 overall, 7 EDGE, 11 Florida
On3 Ranking: 59 overall, 7 EDGE, 12 Florida
Hometown: Hollywood, Florida
High School: Chaminade-Madonna Prep
Scouting summary: “The best recent comparison may be to Tyreke Smith, who has a similar frame to Kenyatta Jackson though the Buckeyes’ latest signee is longer and leaner.
“That’s where Jackson’s biggest strengths lie. He is a 6-foot-5, 238-pounder who uses his length to his advantage when bending around the edge. He’s an explosive pass rusher who uses that quick get-off and lateral movement to do his best work moving around offensive tackles. That’s why some on the Ohio State staff believe he has a ceiling as high as that of Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones.
“It’s a lofty comparison as Jones is one of the NFL’s best edge rushers. But that’s the type of upside Jackson possesses. He’ll likely need to add 20-plus pounds to his frame before he can be a consistent impact player off the edge.” – Zack Carpenter, Lettermen Row
How did Jackson Jr. end up at Ohio State?
Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes had some stiff competition as Jackson’s other finalists included Oklahoma and Alabama. As the recruitment reached its final stages, it really came down to the Buckeyes and Sooners.
Jackson took official visits to both Ohio State and Oklahoma in June, and his plan was to make a return trip to each school before making a decision. He returned to Columbus in July, but that follow-up trip to Norman never took place. It was his relationship with Larry Johnson and Ohio State’s history at the position that helped to win him over.
“It came down to my relationship with the staff, the history behind the school, and their development of defensive ends,” Jackson told On3’s Chad Simmons. “Those things, my visits there, and my gut led me to pick Ohio State.”
Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes tried to make a late move, but the Gatorade Florida Football Player of the Year will instead head to Columbus and take his shot at being the next great edge rusher developed by Larry Johnson.
