Ohio State filled a need yesterday in the defensive backfield with a commitment from Lorenzo Styles Jr.
The former Notre Dame wide receiver and Buckeye legacy now joins his brother Sonny, as a member of the Ohio State secondary.
There is plenty to think about what has transpired here as the Buckeyes took a player who is in the midst of a positional transition.
As someone who knows the Irish well, I also help out over there, this move was one I was excited to see play out during Notre Dame’s spring game. Ultimately that didn’t happen and Styles Jr. entered the portal.
There are plenty of thoughts that I have had since he entered the portal and returned back “home,” and here they are.
Don’t expect an immediate contribution
𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆: Junior WR Lorenzo Styles Jr. will reportedly be playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the upcoming spring game 👀
Thoughts? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/teLFIjLk82
— The Irish Tribune (@TheIrishTribune) April 17, 2023
Thoughts
As mentioned above, Styles Jr. was in the middle of making a transition back to playing cornerback but left the Notre Dame program before playing the spring game. Two seasons of playing wide receiver with mixed results and falling behind on the depth chart prompted the change. Learning a new defensive scheme along with not having really taken reps at the position means there is going to be an adjustment period. Don’t be surprised if Styles Jr. takes a redshirt year and only appears in a few games to keep that extra year of eligibility.
Intricate knowledge of the Irish
Lorenzo Styles said he planned to play both ways in the Blue-Gold Game just 72 hours earlier. Odd ending to a Notre Dame career that opened with much promise. https://t.co/nMRGpNigs1
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) April 21, 2023
Thoughts
When Javontae Jean-Baptiste transferred to the Irish, I mentioned that he could be giving them an insider look at the Buckeye personnel. Now, Styles Jr. actually brings a bit more of that with him to Columbus. Jean-Baptiste didn’t go through spring ball so some of the improvements he won’t know about, but Styles Jr. does. It’s not just one room he knows about either, it’s the receivers and secondary. Any advantage you can get against a team, you have to use, and this is one.
Depth
2021 Notre Dame commit Lorenzo Styles Jr. (@LorenzoStyles3) has some DB skills as well. Almost gets a pick six here. pic.twitter.com/jIjPblyViU
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) August 30, 2020
Thoughts
The Buckeyes didn’t have solid play from the corners this past year, some of that due to injury and some of it due to average performance. Some of the backups are young, specifically true freshman young. Even though you shouldn’t expect Styles Jr. to play much this fall, he still gives the Buckeyes another option if needed amongst the kids.
A factor on special teams?
2021 Notre Dame WR commit Lorenzo Styles Jr. gives some much needed life to Pickerington Central with this return. pic.twitter.com/x0dXWpj9Zj
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) November 14, 2020
Thoughts
Styles Jr. was a great returner during his high school career, and it’s something that the Buckeyes have been lacking for years. There is potential that he could get back there and make an impact, but again, it might not be right away. Regardless of when it is, Styles Jr. has the ability to make plays as a returner.
Another portal win
Thankful for this opportunity. Time to go to work.. #GOBUCKS pic.twitter.com/tjbyEnK4Hv
— Zo (@LorenzoStyles_) April 29, 2023
Thoughts
It’s something that many continued to question about Day and his staff, why not more transfers? Well, this offseason should quiet down that chatter, as the Buckeyes have gotten multiple players who will play big roles, especially in the secondary. Plenty of other teams have had much more success in the portal and it looks like the Buckeyes are finally catching up in that department.
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