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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

Top-five rated Ohio State defensive tackle recruits since 2000

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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 tacklesguards, center and defensive ends but we wanted to look into the history of recruiting defensive tackles.

There are some very interesting names on this top-five recruiting list and even though 247Sports only goes back to 2000, there are some memorable names. It is always fun to reflect on how some of these guys performed and whether or not they lived up to expectations. This list only confirms the insanity of talent Ohio State has had at the defensive tackle position and some of the interesting guys that just missed the cut are Quinn Pitcock, future NFL center, Billy Price and Cameron Heyward. Let’s dive into the list.

1
Taron Vincent, Class of 2018

Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Indiana Hoosiers At Ohio State Buckeyes

247Sports Composite Rating .9884

Taron Vincent was a monster recruit from the state of Florida, and he took advantage of the COVID-19 year to remain a Buckeye for six seasons. He never really lived up to expectations, but time will tell how his NFL career will unfold.

2
Alphonso Townsend, Class of 2000

247Sports Composite Rating .9847

Alphonso Townsend never played a snap for Ohio State as he enrolled in Fork Union Military Academy prep school instead and then committed to Michigan State during the next signing period.

3
David Patterson, Class of 2003

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports (©) Copyright 2004 by Matthew Emmons

247Sports Composite Rating .9755

David Patterson had a solid career during his time as a Buckeye and earned All-Big Ten honors before going undrafted in 2007.

4
Michael Hall Jr., Class of 2021

Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Michigan Wolverines At Ohio State Buckeyes

247Sports Composite Rating .9742

Michael Hall Jr. will be a true junior this season and big things are expected of Hall for 2023 after he showed some impressive flashes in 2022.

5
Michael Bennett, Class of 2011

(Dispatch photo by Kyle Robertson)Osu11um Kr 17

247Sports Composite Rating .9736

Michael Bennett was a solid player at Ohio State who played significantly as a freshman but was slowed as a sophomore due to injury. He finished as a two-year starter that included an All-Big Ten season before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on Twitter.

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