Ohio State Football: Ryan Watts could be next big player for ‘DBU’

The Ohio State football team finished off its 2020 recruiting class this week. Here is a look at four-star prospect, Ryan Watts.

Ryan Watts was a huge commitment for then defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. After de-committing from Oklahoma in early October, the Buckeyes were able to lock him up within ten days of that announcement.

Standing at six-foot three inches tall and 180 pounds, Ohio State has a rare specimen for them to play at cornerback. Not too many corners are as tall as Watts but when they are, and when they are fluid and can run step for step with wide receivers, the results can be spectacular.

Kerry Coombs takes over Jeff Hafley’s spot and gets the chance to develop Watts into a great cornerback for Ohio State. With excellent speed and a wide range it shouldn’t take long for Watts to start to see game action. Playing safety last season at Little Elm High School in Texas will help in his transition to Ohio State in regards to understanding zone defensive concepts.

His defensive coordinator at Little Elm, Donald Hatcher believes that Watts is right up there with some of the best he has coached, and that list includes NFL star pass rusher Von Miller. Here is what he told Lettermen Row last month:

"“Seeing how he did this year, and I coached Dontre Wilson who went up to Ohio State, Ryan is right up there with those guys and the best I’ve ever coached,” he said. “He’s got a little bit more of a chip, maybe, because he doesn’t come from a big background. He’s first-generation college in his family, I think. He’s got something different about him. He’s not one to gloat, he’s just out there to do his thing.”"

Ryan Watts will have his work cut out for him though. Coming in as a freshman that includes two other cornerbacks, Watts will first have to show that he can out play them in spring ball. Then there is a whole list of other Buckeye corners that are ahead of him in the depth chart from there.

But come next season the need at corner for Ohio State will be strong. And if Watts can show his abilities early on in his career, he will have a chance at real playing time next season.

Then who knows from there. With his size, speed and ball hawking abilities Ryan Watts may just become the next future first round NFL draft pick under the leadership of Kerry Coombs.