There was a time in early June when segments of the Ohio State fanbase were worried that the Buckeyes’ defensive recruiting was lagging behind the offense.
At the time, OSU had commitments from 10 players on offense and special teams, but only one from the defensive side of the ball.
It’s probably safe for those people to stop worrying.
Ryan Day and his staff just added their sixth major defensive commitment since mid-June, and this one is a big deal.
Lathan Ransom, a 4-star safety from Tucson, Ariz. just committed to the Buckeyes.
He announced his commitment via Twitter.
The Marathon Continues… COMMITTED? pic.twitter.com/E6HgycNHxF
— Lathan Ransom (@L8thanRansom) July 16, 2019
Ransom is ranked as the No. 4 safety in the 2020 class and the 76th-best player overall. He is also considered the 5th-best player in the state of Arizona.
That has suddenly turned into a productive pipeline state for the Buckeyes. OSU already held a commitment from the Copper State’s No. 4 player, QB Jack Miller.
Bijan Robinson, a 5-star running back ranked as the No. 2 player in Arizona this cycle, will announce his decision in less than three weeks and OSU is a heavy favorite.
The defensive backfield was a major point of concern in the 2020 recruiting cycle for the Buckeyes, but those big questions are quickly getting answered.
Ransom is the third defensive back to commit to the class, joining 4-star corner Clark Phillips and 4-star safety Lejond Cavazos. Phillips and Ransom are both ranked in the top-5 in their position nationally. Recent 2020 commit 3-star athlete Cameron Martinez is likely to end up in the defensive backfield as well.
The Buckeyes will likely end up taking another defensive back this cycle. They missed out on all of their cornerback targets in 2018, and could have to replace the majority of their starting defensive backfield in 2020 if Jeff Okudah, Shaun Wade, or Brendon White turns pro early.
Ransom’s offer list is a who’s who of college football bluebloods. Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Notre Dame, LSU, Texas, USC, and Michigan all offered him a scholarship.
It doesn’t take too long of a look at his highlight reel to figure out why.
Ransom showcases strong open-field tackling ability in both the passing game and coming up to the line in run support. He blitzes off the corner and sacks the quarterback.
He drops into a zone, reads the quarterback’s eyes and intercepts a pass. Oh, and he runs back a couple punts for touchdowns. And that’s just in the first two minutes.
Ransom likely profiles as a strong safety for the Buckeyes, given his apparent ability to cover slot receivers and play a big role in the run game. That is the position that Wade is projected to fill for OSU this fall.
However, at a little over 6-feet tall and 200 lbs, he could end up as at the Bullet position as well.
You can watch his junior season highlights below.
Absolutely awesome talent. I hope Ricks jumps on-board at some point and this will be one of the best DB classes ever at OSU and the first round pick machine will continue humming…
Loving the trend with Arizona. Are we in on anyone from there in 2021?
Ryan Day and his staff have done a great job on the recruiting trail – especially for a team with only an 8.7% chance to win the B1G. Perhaps young Mr. Ransom just raised the odds for 2020.
Lathan Ransom is a fantastic football player and a really down right good young man. Lathan is tailor made to play the bullet position, like Brenden White is, and like Jahsen Wint is. They play see ball and destroy the guy who has it. HUGE pick-up for the Buckeyes……….HUGE.
Welcome aboard young man.
Kourt Williams is the guy we need to get committed to be the Bullet in this class. Ransom is a great choice for high safety.
I am not sure what you are referring to with Wint. Hopefully he can contribute.
Woody used to say, “You win with people.” Well, it seems Ryan Day is bringing in people – good, talented people – in large numbers. So looks like with all those people, Day and the Buckeyes are going to … win! GO BUCKS!