In Monday’s update to the five-star prospects on Rivals.com, Ohio State had two of its 2021 commitments get boosted up to five-star status, giving the Buckeyes three of the 17 five stars from the site.
Starting at the top, Pickerington (Ohio) North defensive end Jack Sawyer stayed at the No. 8 position, making him the top weakside defensive end in the class. Sawyer has been on the slight decline in the Rivals updates, ranking as high as fourth on Aug. 21, then falling to seventh on Dec. 11, and ultimately eighth on Feb. 12.
But the other two Ohio State commits to achieve a five-star ranking made big boosts to get there. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive end Tunmise Adeleye, who jumped 29 spots from No. 44 to No. 15 in the rankings. Adeleye is now the fifth-best strongside defensive end in the class, and jumped into the top 15 after staying in the mid-40s since initially being ranked.
The other big jump came from Houston (Tx.) Episcopal offensive guard Donovan Jackson, who made a 33-spot jump from No. 50 to No. 16 in the rankings. Jackson is ranked ninth at his position, and continues his rise from being ranked No. 56 on Dec. 11.
As for key Ohio State targets, two major recruits out of Washington in Steliacoom wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and Bellevue Eastside Catholic defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau stayed put at No. 11 and No. 4, respectively.
For Egbuka, he remains the top wide receiver in the class, and is at the 11 spot for the third straight reranking. Tuimoloau is fourth for the second reranking in a row after being up at No. 3 for the first two. The two Washington natives are considered the best two recruits in their state.
For four free issues of the print edition of Buckeye Sports Bulletin, no card required, sign up at the link here: https://www.buckeyesports.com/subscribe-4issue-trial/
