There is a growing trend among high school athletes. And within the Ohio State football program, the trend is as prominent as it is anywhere else.
Buckeye commit Jack Sawyer announced Friday afternoon that he will forgo his senior season of high school football. He joins other members of Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class in TreVeyon Henderson, Jordan Hancock, Sam Hart and Evan Pryor, who also decided to sit out. All five said concerns related to COVID-19 contributed to their decisions.
Per reports, he was previously planning on enrolling at Ohio State in January. Sources say he’s still hoping to enroll early.
Sawyer explained his decision on Twitter while fans digested the news. “After extensive discussion with my parents and coaches regarding the uncertainty of this high school football season and the probability of a spring collegiate season, I have decided to focus on training and preparation for my early enrollment at Ohio State,” he said.
247Sports director of scouting Barton Simmons evaluated Sawyer this spring:
Muscled, physically imposing defender without elite length who has a scheme and position-versatile body type. Extremely productive defender that can win in a variety of ways. Has get-off to win with speed, shows reactive ability to counter and has power to stab or long-arm big offensive tackle bodies. Active with his hands. Plays with relentless effort. Shows the ability and instinct to flatten the edge as a pass rusher. Physical and strong enough to gum up the run game. Athletic versatility shows up as a good basketball player, a wildcat quarterback and he could be an outstanding tight end. Well-rounded background points to continued rapid development. Has some ‘bull in a china shop’ to his game. Above average body type. High end athleticism but wins more as a grinder. Elite Power Five impact talent that has the look and profile of a future first round draft pick.
For the Buckeyes, this is great news. It lessens the chances that Sawyer, who ranks in the top-three in both the ESPN 300 and the 247Sports Composite, sustains an injury before arriving on campus. It also works as another protection for their 2021 class, which is the best in the country.