Mentor, Ohio offensive lineman Ryan Jacoby committed to Ohio State on Thursday, becoming the second member of the 2019 class for the Buckeyes. Both members of the class are offensive linemen, as Jacoby joins 4-star West Virginia prospect Doug Nester.
Player: Ryan Jacoby (Mentor High School, Mentor OH)
Position: Offensive Line
Ranking: 247Sports Composite 4-Star; No. 39 offensive tackle; No. 356 player overall
Ryan Jacoby (6-5 270) was a First-Team All-State left tackle for Mentor last season as a junior. He is an athletic lineman who pairs his agility very well with an angry streak. His nickname may as well be Black Death for as many people as he’s put into the ground over the years. He has the kind of demeanor that fits well for an offensive lineman.
Mentor’s offense can throw and run, so Jacoby has plenty of experience blocking for both situations. He blocks well on an island, and once he gets a hold of the man in front of him, his intention is to put that defender on his back. He isn’t the biggest guy yet, but he is able to manhandle defenders with his strength.
You can see his highlight video from his junior season below, and it’s one of the more entertaining set of highlights for an offensive lineman out there. Jacoby is comfortable in the first and second level. He has no issues being asked to block down and collapse a defensive line. His athleticism lends itself to pulling well also.
The Comparison
Some might think Ryan Jacoby may be a little on the short side to play offensive tackle, but the Buckeyes just spent the last two years starting a 6-foot-4 Jamarco Jones at left tackle.
While Jacoby looks very comfortable at left tackle for Mentor, his skill set would also translate well inside, which is why former Buckeye Jack Mewhort could be an apt comparison here.
Mewhort played every position on the offensive line in his time at Ohio State, and played them all very well. With Jacoby’s feet and mobility, he could certainly project to tackle. He could also be used to pull as a lead blocker as a guard.
The Fit
Jacoby has the right mindset and tenacity to play offensive line at Ohio State. He’s mean and he finishes his blocks. Wherever he ends up on the offensive line will be determined down the line, but he plays with the proper mentality to succeed. Once he arrives, they will find the proper spot for him, and it may change depending on need.
When Michael Jordan arrived as a tackle, he was moved to guard in the spring as a true freshman to see if he could win the job, and he did. Last season, redshirt sophomore Branden Bowen was moved from tackle to guard to see if he could win that job, and he did. If Jacoby ever turns out to be one of the five best linemen on the team, they’ll find a spot for him, and his versatility will make it all the better for himself.
The Future
Ohio State signed two All-American guards in 2017 and two All-American tackles in 2018, so there will be talent in front of Ryan Jacoby when he arrives. He is also going to be competing against his fellow classmates, as the Buckeyes look to be bringing in four or five offensive linemen in the 2019 class. You can expect Jacoby to approach the battle for playing time in the same manner he approaches playing on the offensive line.
Ryan Jacoby Highlights
