Early Signing Period: Four-Star Safety Jayden Bonsu Signs With Ohio State

Get to know Hillside (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep four-star safety Jayden Bonsu, who signed his national letter of intent with Ohio State on Thursday.

Height, Weight: 6-1, 210

247 Composite Rankings: He’s rated as the No. 268 overall prospect, 23rd-best safety and the No. 4 recruit out of New Jersey.

Commitment Date: Bonsu committed to Ohio State on Aug. 14.

Other Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Boston College, Buffalo, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, USC, Wisconsin

How he did in high school: Bonsu registered a pair of impressive seasons for the St. Peter’s secondary, producing 62 tackles (7 1/2 for loss), two forced fumbles and two interceptions as a junior in 2021. In 2022, Bonsu registered 70 tackles (4 1/2 for loss) and an interception, to go along with four pass breakups.

Why he committed to Ohio State: Bonsu received his offer from Ohio State on Dec. 2, 2021, before taking an official visit to campus on June 17. Following his commitment, he said that his skillset fits in with Ohio State’s defensive scheme, which played a key role in his decision to commit to the Buckeyes.

“Mostly, it was the relationships I had,” Bonsu told 247Sports. “Coach Eliano and Coach Day made me feel at home. From a defensive scheme standpoint, it fits me. My high school runs some of the same things Ohio State runs, so it makes sense from a scheme standpoint.”

Where he fits in for 2023: Ohio State will see a pair of starters depart from the program following this season, as Ronnie Hickman will enter the 2023 NFL Draft while Tanner McCalister’s eligibility will be exhausted. There is also the possibility that starting boundary safety Lathan Ransom declares for the draft, but he is yet to reveal his decision on his future.

With potentially all three starters setting their sights on the NFL Draft, Sonny Styles, Kye Stokes and Cameron Martinez are expected to emerge as producers. Veteran safety Josh Proctor also remains in the mix at the positon. Bonsu will also have to battle with a pair of fellow incoming safeties in Cocoa (Fla.) four-star Cedric Hawkins and West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West four-star Malik Hartford.