Jonah Jackson, a grad transfer offensive lineman from Rutgers, will visit Ohio State, according to a report from Bobby Deren of 247 Sports.
Jackson earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a guard for the Scarlet Knights in 2018. He also served as a team captain.
A native of Media, Penn., Jackson was a 3-star prospect coming out of high school.
He played both center and guard at Rutgers, and established himself as a team leader both on and off the field for Chris Ash’s program.
Jackson is also considering Oklahoma, Penn State, Virginia, Texas, Pitt, Iowa, and Maryland, according to Deren.
Wherever Jackson ends up, he will he one year of eligibility left in his new home.
He would seem to be a good fit for the Buckeyes, who will have to replace four starters along the offensive line.
Guards Malcolm Pridgeon and Demetrius Knox, and right tackle Isaiah Prince all played their senior seasons in 2018. Center Michael Jordan declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, leaving OSU with a year of eligibility left.
In their wake, left tackle Thayer Munford is the only full-time starter returning for the 2019 Buckeyes.
Guard Wyatt Davis started two games after Knox went down with a season-ending foot injury, and tackle Josh Alabi started the Rose Bowl in place of an injured Munford.
Branden Bowen is the only other returning lineman with starting experience, but he hasn’t played since suffering a broken leg in October 2017.
Depth is a major concern along the offensive line for the Buckeyes. They currently have only 11 scholarship players in the unit, including two true freshmen.
The coaching staff knows it’s an issue, and spent the weekend trying to convince a four-star offensive line prospect to join the 2019 class. But regardless of how many freshmen they’re able to add on National Signing Day, Jackson would still provide a veteran presence in what is otherwise a fairly young unit.
You can read Jackson’s statement announcing his decision to transfer below.
— Jonah Jackson (@Jackson77Jonah) January 24, 2019
Jackson would be a huge get for Coach Day..It definitely would help having experience on OL plus it says a lot that he was a team captain at Rutgers. Could provide great leadership for younger guys
Rutgers’ leftovers. Wow.
Former OSU head coach JT said the best recruit is the upperclassman who doesn’t go pro. To pick up a former starter at Rutgers who received honorable all B1G honors is easily and most probably better than any incoming 5 star recruit. Sounds like he can probably contribute immediately in an area that seems to be a concern, and, and, and, let’s see what OSU’s coaching brain trust can do with him.
The Buckeyes need this young man on the roster. The door is wide open for him to come in with a legitimate opening for a starting spot.
Yep, adds depth and playing time with some credential.
Exactly right. As you reminded another poster of JT’s comments which is exactly right. Conference awards are a dime a dozen, but, there is merit to them as well.What would this veteran lineman looked like last season at, say, Ohio State? Chances are that he would have been as good as any of the starters, and likely better than a couple of them.
I hope he comes to Ohio State. I know this is a showcase move for NFL scouts transfer for the young man. Lets see what he’s got.