COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State soccer lost a member of its recruiting class of 2021 when Ohio defense Devonta Smith decided to retire Thursday.
The three-star recruit, rated the 400th player and the 30th cornerback, is the first player to leave the class, leaving the Buckeyes with four defensive backs. Smith could eventually rejoin the class, but with each crystal ball pointing toward Alabama, that seems unlikely.
Ohio State still maintains the nation’s No. 1 class, but Smith’s departure reduces his point total from 301.15 to 298.06, while his average star rating improves from 95.30 to 95.71.
Smith’s departure opens a place in the outfield for defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs. Some options are making decisions in the next two weeks. Here’s a look at the Ohio State’s chances of landing them:
Tony Grimes, Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Virginia) High School
The nation’s top corner and No. 7 player will be the first to come off the board when deciding between the Buckeyes, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas A&M on June 30. All indications place him at No. 4- of the Tar Heels. classified class
If JC Latham’s situation taught us anything, it’s that even when a player seems to be trending in one direction, things can change quickly. Grimes is unlikely to give the Buckeyes the No. 1 cornerback for the second time in the modern era, but he’s still a player to be reckoned with, just in case.
Jamier Johnson High School, John Muir (Pasadena, California)
Johnson included Ohio State among its top seven, along with Arizona State, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, and USC. Their engagement date is July 3. He is ranked as the 236th player and the 17th cornerback. He is also the only player on this list who has no crystal ball projections.
Jeff Hafley initially offered him Johnson before taking the position of head coach at Boston College, and his recruitment has been taken over by Coombs.
Derrick Davis Jr., Gateway (Monroeville, Pa.) High School
Ohio State has already gotten used to successfully recruiting the Penn State backyard. Pennsylvania has five players in the top 100, and the Buckeyes have two commitments at quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Clemson has another at linebacker Jeremiah Trotter while Davis Jr. – No. 52 and No. 2 safety – and offensive tackle Nolan Rucci is undecided.
Davis Jr. has three of four crystal balls in favor of the Nittany Lions.
Jordan Hancock, Gwinnett North High School (Georgia)
The Georgia native has been engaged to Clemson since March, joining linebacker for his high school partner, Barrett Carter. But many of Ohio’s state commitments still hope to make him a Buckeye by signing the day.
Hancock knows that players like Jaylen Johnson and Jakailin Johnson would love for him to join them. That’s why he took it upon himself to make fun of them on social media after Smith’s release.
Fanatics has launched Ohio State Buckeyes Adult Facial Coats. This pack of 3 masks for adults sells for $ 29.99.
New Ohio state facial masks for sale: This is where you can buy Ohio State themed face liners for coronavirus protection. A 3-pack is available from Fanatics for $ 29.99.
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