Rivals released its list of 2022 five-star prospects on Monday, and Ohio State’s 12-man class is well-represented, with a third of the class included in the Rivals top 26.
Leading the way for the Buckeyes is the de facto face of the class and the potential future face of the program: Southlake (Texas) Carroll quarterback Quinn Ewers. After an excellent showing thus far on the camp circuit, Ewers checks in on these rankings in the top spot.
“From velocity to accuracy to ball placement and everything in between, Ewers has proven he’s the top player in this class,” analyst Adam Gorney wrote. “The Ohio State commit doesn’t just sit in the pocket and dissect defenses, either. He can throw from different arm angles, he likes to throw on the run, he can zip it across his body going against the grain and his confidence in getting the ball to his receivers is high.”
Next up for the Buckeyes is Jacksonville Robert E. Lee cornerback Jaheim Singletary, who ranks as either the No. 1 or No. 2 cornerback, depending on where No. 2 overall player Travis Hunter decides to line up at the next level. Singletary is the No. 5 player in the class.
“The new No. 1 cornerback has incredible length on the outside and he picked off numerous passes in his junior season that probably would have just been tipped away by other players at the position,” Gorney wrote. “Singletary also plays receiver and has excellent hands so when he’s on defense, he’s always looking to not only knock the ball away but pick it off.
“The Ohio State commit also loves to compete, loves to talk and get in the receiver’s head. It looks like he’s gilding when he runs – smooth in everything he does.”
Kettering (Ohio) Archbishop Alter linebacker C.J. Hicks is up next, ranking as the No. 1 linebacker and the No. 13 player in the class.
“The Ohio State commit is equally adept at blitzing off the edge, timing a blitz up the middle or dropping in coverage,” Gorney said. “He plays super fast, flies all around the field and is physical enough to make people hesitate when they come across the middle. There have not been many linebackers in recent years who close as fast as Hicks does in space.”
Rounding out the group for the Buckeyes is Marysville, Ohio linebacker Gabe Powers, who ranks as the No. 2 linebacker and the No. 17 overall player.
“The question heading into this offseason was whether Gabe Powers had gotten too big to play outside linebacker, to tackle in space and be effective in pass coverage,” Gorney said. “All those questions were answered during the Rivals Camp Series. He was excellent and while he is big, still showed off outstanding speed and coverage ability. The Ohio State commit moved up to five-star status because of it.”
Among the other Buckeye targets listed are tackles Kam Dewberry (No. 18) and Zach Rice (No. 19) and linebacker Shawn Murphy (No. 26).
