We have been diving into some of the more highly touted recruits in Ohio State history. We recently discussed the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, guards, center, defensive ends, defensive tackles, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, and cornerbacks We wanted to look into the history of recruiting safeties.
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.
5
Isaiah Pryor, Class of 2017
247Sports Composite Rating .9712
Isaiah Pryor actually finished his college career at Notre Dame after only starting four games in three seasons with Ohio State, Pryor moved on and found mixed results with the Fighting Irish as well only starting four games in his two seasons there.
This is just bad. Isaiah Pryor looks completely lost. I’ve said that way too many times today. pic.twitter.com/vjf1QCf9wj
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 21, 2018
4
Eugene Clifford, Class of 2007
247Sports Composite Rating .9849
Eugene Clifford was a five-star high school All-American from Ohio and didn’t disappoint on the field as a true freshman as he saw action in four games, but was eventually suspended and even later charged with battery and he decided to transfer to Tennessee State. Clifford played two seasons at Tennessee State and was All-Ohio Valley both times.
3
Tyreke Johnson, Class of 2018
247Sports Composite Rating .9876
That’s right another transfer, Tyreke Johnson. The former five-star prospect from Florida, Johnson saw action as a redshirt freshman, but his time decreased the next season and he elected to transfer to Nebraska for 2021 and only saw action in two games and none in 2022. He left the Nebraska program in the spring.
Tyreke Johnson does everything right except make the tackle. pic.twitter.com/Ic5g1sT9G9
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 9, 2020
2
Vonn Bell, Class of 2013
247Sports Composite Rating .9876
Vonn Bell was a five-star prospect from the state of Georgia and is the first person on this list to live up to expectations. Bell started all three years at Ohio State and even earned All-American honors before declaring early and being drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Vonn Bell bringing some attitude to the #Panthers secondary pic.twitter.com/xtLbO0wZit
— Unnecessary Bluntness Owner/Coach/QB (@DuncOnDemand) May 25, 2023
1
Sonny Styles, Class of 2022
247Sports Composite Rating .9937
Sonny Styles reclassified to join last year’s crop and is expected to be a major difference-maker in year two. Styles is an Ohio State legacy as his dad was Loreno Styles, who played at Ohio State from 1992-1994.
Sonny Styles is supposed to be a senior in HS. pic.twitter.com/C0K9ywKnNz
— Menace 2 Sports (@Menace2Sports) September 18, 2022
