The Ohio State football program is still in search of at least one more 2018 defensive end, so on Tuesday they offered 4-star New Jersey (Bergen Catholic) prospect Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
Jean-Baptiste (6-5 204) announced on Twitter that he received the offer, and per 247Sports he will be taking an official visit to Ohio State the weekend of January 19.
Ranked the No. 9 outside linebacker in the nation per 247Sports, Jean-Baptiste also holds offers from Baylor, Nebraska, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Boston College, and Monmouth.
Jean-Baptiste, who ran a 4.78 at a Nike combine last spring, plays mostly outside linebacker, but does it while rushing the passer quite a bit. He finished 2017 with 88 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in helping Bergen Catholic to a state championship.
He was named the NJ.com Defensive Player of the Year for 2017 as well.
“The NJ.com 2017 Defensive Player of the Year finished his senior season with 88 tackles, including 14.5 for a loss, and 11.5 sacks. Developing a knack for making the biggest plays in the biggest moments, it was the gamechanging ability that Jean-Baptiste displayed that helped Bergen Catholic win its final nine games, finish undefeated against New Jersey competition and win its first state title since 2004. In that final, Jean-Baptiste registered two sacks in a dominant 44-7 victory over St. Peter’s Prep.”
Jean-Baptiste has an official visit set for Nebraska this coming weekend, and has also visited Boston College and Virginia Tech.
The Buckeyes would clearly like to add another pass rusher, and Jean-Baptiste’s frame and athleticism is very intriguing. Ohio State currently has one true defensive end in the 2018 class in Cleveland Heights prospect Tyreke Smith. Pickerington product Alex Williams could also emerge as a defensive end, but like Jean-Baptiste, he is still growing into his ultimate position. Team need will also factor in here.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste Highlights
[Javontae Jean-Baptiste photo courtesy 247Sports.com]
That’s what Coach Mick is for. If he can turn skinny little Sam Hubbard into a defensive physical specimen for Larry Johnson to mold into a force of nature. He can do the same for young Mr. Javontae.
Join the gang of 8 young man. LJ will give you more than ample tools to start someday on Sundays.
Besides. You have a great name.
Skinny!!!
He has great balance and all that but he will need at least one year to bulk up.