Malik Hartford, Jermaine Mathews continue special senior seasons, Ohio State defensive commit check-in
COLUMBUS — Ohio State with its current 2023 defensive class boasts a small, but an extremely talented bunch.
The Buckeyes added two new members to the class over the summer with the additions of four-star Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville linebacker Arvell Reese and four-star Hillside (NJ) St. Peters Prep safety Jayden Bonsu.
Ohio State also received an early commitment from 2025 Atlanta (GA.) Douglass cornerback Jontae Gilbert.
Lettermen Row hasn’t looked at how the current committed prospects have played throughout their respective seasons.
Let’s dive in starting with the defensive line board.
Will Smith Jr.
Four-star Dublin Coffman (Ohio) defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. had two tackles and half a sack in the Shamrocks’ 35-7 win over Olentangy Orange (Ohio).
Smith has helped lead a Coffman defense that’s surrendered an average of 17.1 points per game.
Jason Moore
Four-star Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha Catholic defensive lineman Jason Moore and the Stags were on a bye week this weekend.
DeMatha Catholic (4-1) has won four consecutive games after it dropped its season opener to Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Cardinal Gibbons 11-6. Moore and the Stags defense have completed four straight shut-outs this season.
Arvell Reese
Four-star Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville linebacker Arvell Reese and the Tarblooders remain undefeated through seven weeks of the season.
The Tarblooders (7-0) defeated Cleveland (Ohio) John F. Kennedy 50-0 Friday night.
Calvin Simpson-Hunt
Four-star Waxahachie (Texas) cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt had a bye week this week.
Simpson-Hunt and the Indians last played on Sept. 23 and lost 42-24 to DeSoto. Waxahachie prepares for Duncanville this Friday.
Through five games, Simpson-Hunt has 11 total tackles, two tackles for loss and has only defended three passes.
Kayin Lee
Four-star Ellenwood (GA) Cedar Grove cornerback Kayin Lee and the Saints picked up their fourth win of the season on Saturday.
The Saints defeated Washington D.C. St. John’s 35-13.
Jermaine Mathews
Four-star Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Woods cornerback Jermaine Mathews and his team remain undefeated.
The Warriors defeated Kings Mills (Ohio) Kings 28-23 on Friday night. Mathews made plays all over the field for Winton Woods including an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, two interceptions and 117 all-purpose yards.
Jontae Gilbert
2025 four-star Atlanta (GA) Douglass cornerback Jontae Gilbert and the Astros lost 18-10 to Jackson on Sept. 29.
Malik Hartford
Four-star West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West safety Malik Hartford and the Firebirds remain undefeated through the seventh week of the season.
Hartford blocked a punt and had an interception for a touchdown in the 37-7 win over Mason (Ohio).
Cedrick Hawkins
Four-star Titusville (Fla.) Cocoa High safety Cedrick Hawkins did not play this weekend.
The Tigers (2-2) return to action this Friday against Seminole (4-1)
Hawkins has 18 tackles this season, one forced fumble and two blocked field goals.
Jayden Bonsu
Four-star Hillside (NJ) St. Peters Prep safety Jayden Bonsu lost their second game of the season on Friday in a 35-26 final against Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep.
Bonsu has had a monster senior season so far, however, with 36 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
