Ohio State football: Who is the next hidden gem?

The Ohio State football team always has top recruits in every class. But the Buckeyes also always get some underrated gems. Who could those gems be for this team?

When the Ohio State football program hammered Michigan 62-39 in 2018, a true freshman, who was the third-lowest rated member of his recruiting class, scored two touchdowns and blocked a punt that was returned for another touchdown.

The second-lowest rated member of the Buckeyes’ 2017 recruiting class is about to become a four-year starter. The third-lowest rated member of that 2017 class was a three-year starter and recently chosen in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Chris Olave. Thayer Munford. Pete Werner. All three were among the lowest-rated members of their Ohio State recruiting class. Olave was the 399th rated player in the country coming out of high school in San Diego and the 62nd ranked wide receiver.

You can’t find six receivers in the country who are better, much less 62. Munford was ranked 285th; Werner 277th. Olave tore up Michigan as a true freshman. Munford has been a mainstay at left tackle. Werner will probably start at outside linebacker for the Saints this season. Many questioned why the Buckeyes even recruited them. Three hidden gems.

Are there any low-rated members of the last few recruiting classes who are candidates to be the next hidden gem? Without question, there are a few.

Two members of the 2019 class come to mind right away. Craig Young was ranked 609th nationally but is expected to be the starter at the Bullet position on the Buckeye defense this fall. He had passed the more experienced K’Vaughan Pope on the linebacker depth chart early last season, but an injury ended his year prematurely. His athleticism makes him an ideal candidate for a breakout year.

So little was thought of Dawand Jones he was not even rated, but he’s shown a great deal of promise so far. He played very well when called on to start the Michigan State game last year with Thayer Munford out due to COVID. He’ll battle Paris Johnson, Jr. for the starting right guard spot in fall camp.

Miyan Williams was the 627th  ranked player nationally in the 2020 recruiting class and was originally committed to Iowa State. The Buckeye Bowling Ball flipped to Ohio State only after they lost out on a five-star running back.

Williams flashed what he’s capable of doing a few times last season, including an impressive run against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl (watch that here). He will push Master Teague for playing time and I don’t doubt will earn his share of carries.

Will it be these three? Will others join them? Hidden gems have become very important to the Ohio State program. Never discount the guys at the bottom of the recruiting lists. Just ask Michigan.