Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

The five top-rated Ohio State cornerback recruits since 2000

We have been diving into some of the more highly touted recruits in Ohio State history. We recently discussed the quarterbacks, running backswide receiverstight endsoffensive tacklesguardscenterdefensive ends, defensive tackles, inside linebackers, and outside linebackers. We wanted to look into the history of recruiting cornerbacks.

Some exciting names are on this list. Even though 247Sports‘ recruiting rankings only go back to 2000, there are some memorable names. It is always fun to reflect on how some of these guys performed and whether they lived up to expectations.

Buy Buckeyes Tickets

This list only confirms the insane wealth of talent Ohio State has had at the cornerback position. Some of the guys that just missed the cut are Damon Webb, who is currently in the Canadian Football League, Jermaine Mathews who will be a true freshman this season, and the elite, Eli Apple.

5
Shaun Wade, Class of 2017

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

247Sports Composite Rating .9904

Shaun Wade had a polarizing career while at Ohio State, but there is no doubt he made an impact as he saw significant time since his redshirt freshman season after arriving in Columbus. He was a five-star high school All-American from the state of Florida and ended up getting drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after earning All-American honors in 2020.

4
Jamario O'Neal, Class of 2005

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

247Sports Composite Rating .9908

Jamario O’Neal was a part of the Glenville run of stars that included Ted Ginn, Troy Smith, and Donte Whitner. O’Neal arrived at Ohio State with another Glenville recruit, Freddie Lenix. Although O’Neal was recruited as a corner, he moved to safety in college and started as a sophomore, but was passed up by Malcolm Jenkins and Donald Washington during his last two seasons at Ohio State.

 

3
Donte Whitner, Class of 2003

(Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)Ncl Osuiu 42

247Sports Composite Rating .9912

Another former Glenville star, Donte Whitner, was a high school All-American and left Ohio State as one of the best defensive backs in the school’s history. After earning All-Big Ten honors in 2005, Whitner was a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and earned three Pro Bowl nods and All-Rookie.

2
Jeff Okudah, Class of 2017

[Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch]Osu19wis Jb 30

247Sports Composite Rating .9955

Jeff Okudah was a five-star recruit from the state of Texas who saw action immediately as a true freshman and eventually earned All-American honors before being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1
Ted Ginn Jr., Class of 2004

(Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)Ncl Biggame 67

247Sports Composite Rating .9992

Ted Ginn ended his career at Ohio State as one of the best wide receivers in school history. He was recruited as a corner, but his Olympic speed was too tantalizing to not put on offense. He played a significant amount immediately and even earned All-American honors all three years on campus before being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.