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, 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.
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
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.
Still makes my blood boil 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 pic.twitter.com/4Me6jNGfb2 https://t.co/pNlpE6c8ml
— AJ King (@allday_ajking) May 18, 2023
4
Jamario O'Neal, Class of 2005
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 days till #Buckeyes Football. In honor of #3 I give you Jamario O'Neal. pic.twitter.com/rKLX021OJH
— Mr BuckNut (@BorN2BaBuck) August 27, 2014
3
Donte Whitner, Class of 2003
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.
Happy birthday to Donte Whitner 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/8pHIo3kv6p
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) July 24, 2022
2
Jeff Okudah, Class of 2017
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.
JEFF OKUDAH: FIRST NFL INT🦁👑
— PFF (@PFF) September 27, 2020
1
Ted Ginn Jr., Class of 2004
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.
@TedGinnJr_19 scoring a touchdown in the first 10 seconds of the national title game. Forget the result though.😅😂 pic.twitter.com/IygQl3KEOf
— Lucas Clark Seibert (@Sucasleibert) May 22, 2023
