Ohio State had three main targets in its 2024 cornerback recruiting, and with Thursday’s commitment of Miles Lockhart and previously Bryce West, they have two of the three committed.
They’ll find out later this month about Aaron Scott, but grabbing Lockhart is a big recruiting win. Although he isn’t as highly ranked as the other two, the 5-foot, 10-inch, 185-pound corner is still an extremely solid player.
Lockhart is ranked as the No. 33 best player at his position and 365th overall player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
After watching his junior film, it’s easy to see why Lockhart is one of the top players in the country. Find out below what we’ll see out of the Buckeyes’ newest commitment.
Speed
Week 5 Highlights vs Valley Vista High School
Class of 2024
Miles Lockhart @MilesLockhart1
6’0 180lbs- Running Back/Defensive BackGame Stats
5 Carries, 122 Rushing Yards, 22.4 Yards Per Carry, 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 96 Yard Rushing Touchdown pic.twitter.com/vLFJjzMSdH— Basha HS Football Recruiting (@RecruitingBasha) October 8, 2021
Scout’s view
This is what you want to see out of a corner, and Lockhart has plenty of it. The track speed translates no matter if it’s flipping his hips running with a receiver, breaking on the ball, or coming downhill to make a tackle. As a player who is recruited to play the slot, you have to have the quickness to deal with shifty receivers and Lockhart has plenty of it.
Tackling
Miles Lockhart
4 Star CB
Basha HS
State champ in Arizona pic.twitter.com/2siOaPP4Mw— Kris Drew (@KristopherDrew_) April 10, 2023
Scout’s view
I’m a big fan of cornerbacks who aren’t afraid to get after ball carriers, and Lockhart fits that mold. He’s not afraid of contact and will hand fight with receivers to disengage and make a tackle. Lockhart shows very good technique when taking down opponents as well.
Anticipation
4th & 5 and great coverage by Miles Lockhart.
Turnover on downs.
7-0 Basha | 5:43 3Q pic.twitter.com/7NlmjlsPXj
— Zach Alvira (@ZachAlvira) December 4, 2022
Scout’s view
Lockhart does a great job of watching the quarterback’s eyes. In fact, he had four interceptions and 20 pass break-ups during his junior season. It’s very impressive and gives you an idea of how well he reads the development of plays also. The speed plays a part here as well, but Lockhart puts himself in a good position to make those plays with his anticipation.
What to expect
B🅾️🅾️M #Gobucks pic.twitter.com/a1lxfIoGPo
— Miles Lockhart (@MilesLockhart1) July 6, 2023
Scout’s take
If Lockhart is able to pick up Jim Knowles’ defense quickly, he could very well see the field early. With many teams employing multiple receivers, the need for slot corners is paramount. Lockhart won’t need to add much weight because he’s pretty filled out for his frame already. It’s really not out of the question for Lockhart to get reps as a true freshman and then really make a big impact in year two.
