Jakailin Johnson loses black stripe, adds to Buckeyes talented young defense
COLUMBUS — Jakailin Johnson is officially ready to add depth to the ongoing defensive youth movement.
The former No. 50 overall prospect and top-ranked cornerback in the Buckeyes loaded 2021 recruiting class, Johnson has always had superstar potential on the outside. Now he can begin to show it.
Johnson shed his black stripe after practice Wednesday, a ceremonious way for the Buckeyes to announce Johnson is ready to help contribute in a secondary full of young, talented Silver Bullets.
Ohio State has struggled on defense early in the season, especially with its veteran players who were expected to carry the load and correct the issues from last year.
Except the experienced Buckeyes have given way to the young, energetic athletes — now including Jakailin Johnson — hungry to show they deserve to be on the field. Fellow freshman Denzel Burke and a wave of others have already proven they can play at a high level and help Ohio State win games early in their careers.
Of course, there will be mistakes with the youth on the field at every level, but it’ll all quickly be worth it for Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff.
“It’s kind of like a give and take,” Day said. “There’s going to be growing pains along the way. But whatever you invest in these guys, you’re going to get back here in the future. And that’s that’s the exciting part. I think we have a really exciting, young team. …
“We’re young, but we’re also talented. So if we can keep building and get stronger, then the future is going to be really, really bright.”
That future can now officially include Jakailin Johnson, the top-ranked cornerback in the Buckeyes loaded 2021 recruiting class.
With his black stripe removed, he can make a push to be a part of the ongoing defensive youth movement.
