Ohio State is not done in the 2024 recruiting class, as the Buckeyes added a commitment on Saturday from Painesville (Ohio) Riverside four-star defensive lineman Dominic Kirks (6-4, 255).
Kirks is the No. 251 overall prospect and No. 33 defensive lineman in the class, and was offered by the Buckeyes during an official visit to Columbus during the weekend of Jan. 13-14. Kirks had been committed to Washington since June, but did not sign with the Huskies in December and stepped back from his pledge on Jan. 12 following Kalen DeBoer’s departure to become the head coach at Alabama.
Kirks was also connected with USC during the latter stages of his recruitment before eventually settling on Ohio State. He will not be able to sign with the Buckeyes until National Signing Day on Feb. 7.
At Riverside High School in northern Ohio, Kirks collected 86 tackles (17 for loss) to go along with 11 sacks, an interception and four pass breakups.
“He has a big frame and has filled that in to around 255 pounds as he enters college,” wrote 247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu. “He has big hands and longer arms. Moves fluidly and has been timed sub-5.0 in the forty at his size. He has added to his technique and as a senior, demonstrated better use of his hands.
“He can win with finesse as well as power. Closes quickly and changes directions well at his size. He has rushed some from a two-point but future is likely entirely as a hand-down player. Can give teams some option as he is athletic enough to play the edge but has enough growth potential to kick down at times or play end in an odd front.”
Kirks is now the third defensive lineman in Ohio State’s class, joining Buford, Ga., five-star end Eddrick Houston (6-3, 269) and Stafford (Va.) Mountain View three-star tackle Eric Mensah (6-3, 290). He figures to be the final addition for Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class.
