Signed: Sonny Styles reclassification gives Buckeyes big boost in 2022
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: Sonny Styles has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — It’s a year earlier than expected, but Sonny Styles is now officially an Ohio State Buckeye.
Styles, who reclassified into the Class of 2022, has signed his Letter of Intent with the Buckeyes.
What does this addition do for Ohio State? Let’s break it down.
Who is Sonny Styles?
Sonny Styles is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound athlete who committed to Ohio State on Nov. 13, 2021.
On3 Consensus Ranking: 11 overall, 3 ATH, 1 Ohio
On3 Ranking: 9 overall, 2 ATH, 1 Ohio
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
High School: Pickerington Central
Scouting summary: “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 …
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.” – Charles Power, On3 director of scouting and rankings
How did Styles end up at Ohio State?
Though he’s the son of former Ohio State linebacker Lorenzo Styles, the Buckeyes put in a lot of work to land Sonny Styles. He was offered after the first game of his sophomore season by Al Washington and began building a relationship from there.
Ohio State hosted Sonny Styles for multiple camp visits during the summer of 2021. That helped grow its bonds with the five-star athlete, especially Ryan Day. Styles cited the Buckeyes development at every level of the defense as a primary driver of his interest. He listed a final five schools that included Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida and Ole Miss though many believed his final decision came down to the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish.
Ultimately, the chance to play where his father played and the opportunity to enroll a year early at Ohio State helped Styles make the difficult decision.
