Ohio State Recruiting Round-Up: Kendall Sheffield

A look at Ohio State cornerback Kendall Sheffield.

Although the departure of Gareon Conley, Malik Hooker, & Marshon Lattimore would leave many to believe that the Ohio State defensive backfield would be a weak spot. However, the list of highly touted recruits ready to contribute coming into Columbus is incredible.

Having more youngsters on the field does not immediately mean success just because of their potential, but it is exciting being in a reloading phase. It isn’t often Ohio State takes in Junior College transfers, but when they do you can expect them to see action early.

Here is a look at the JUCO player in the 2017 Ohio State recruiting class.

Player: Kendall Sheffield

Hometown: Missouri City, Texas

Position: Cornerback/Return Specialist

Height: 6-0

Weight: 185 lbs.

Ranking: 5 Stars

Chose Ohio State Over: TCU & Texas A&M

We have already discussed the large amount of elite talent that has departed from the Buckeye defensive backfield, but there is still some potential stars waiting to emerge. Some of the players fighting for time in the spring will be Damon Webb, Damon Arnette, Erick Smith, Jordan Fuller, and Denzel Ward.

Scheffield was a big five-star stud when he enrolled at Alabama, but he ended up at Blinn College. After becoming a star at the junior college level, Sheffield appears ready to contribute in the Big Ten.

Strengths: Sheffield is one of the most impressive corners in this class and has the physical attributes scouts desire. In regard to pure coverage ability, there are few players at any level with his ability to stick with a receiver.

Sheffield has elite agility and speed, which is not only ideal for flying to the ball, but will allow him to potentially see the field early and often on special teams. It is possible that not only will we see him on coverage teams, but as a returner for Ohio State. And while most young defensive backs struggle with wrapping up, Sheffield really improved those skills while in the JUCO ranks.

Weaknesses: We talked about how there has been obvious improvements in Sheffield’s game, but for him to reach his full potential he needs to be even more physical. Being more effective in the run game and nastier in press coverage would really add to his arsenal.

We were blessed to see Marshon Lattimore and his spectacular recovery ability last season, but Sheffield is not that kind of corner, and baiting quarterbacks to throw it is not his style. That is a nit-picky flaw, but it will lead to fewer turnovers which should be noted due to how active the defensive backs were in that department last season.

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Comparison: Eli Apple, 2015: Sheffield is not nearly as impressive a prospect as Apple was when he was coming out of high school, but stylistically they play similar. Both players are extremely intriguing because of their potential due to their size and athleticism, but their on field work leaves room for improvement and consistency.

Sheffield may have the type of career where fans love him and hate him. Apple had great length, but needed to add strength in the weight room and Sheffield has the same issue.

Overall: As we discussed previously there is a lot of talent leaving the Buckeye defensive backfield, but there is also a lot of talent remaining. Sheffield has already played in the college ranks and this experience should really help him surpass the competition.

Next Post: Big Opportunity for Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith

The worst case scenario even if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup, should be that he contributes here and there as a returner with his elite level speed. Sheffield may start out in the nickel, but gradually earn time on the outside.

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