Ohio State football: Buckeyes land elite defensive end recruit

During Sunday’s Under Armour All-America Game, the Ohio State football team got the news they had been hoping for. One of the country’s top defensive end recruits gave them his commitment.

Omari Abor of Duncanville, Texas is the number four edge rusher in the 2022 recruiting class and the 38th player nationally by 247 Sports Composite rankings. He told 247 his biggest reason for choosing the Buckeyes is their legendary defensive line coach,

"“Honestly, it is really just Larry Johnson and the communication he had ever since he offered me.”"

While some recruits will shy away from teams who are already loaded at their position, Abor welcomes the level of competition he’ll face. He also likes that the Buckeyes are one of college football’s elite programs and the opportunities that can bring down the road,

"“You don’t have to make it to the final four to get drafted in the first round, but at the same time it gives you a better opportunity.”"

The 6’4”, 240-pound Abor likes the idea of either being in a three-point stance or standing up. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is known for having his ends stand up, a trend you’re seeing more and more in college football. Abor said,

"“I feel like I fit their defense very, very well.”"

The scouting report on Abor says he is a natural pass rusher who is athletic enough to chase down plays from behind. He is very fluid and shows the ability to get underneath offensive tackles when rushing the quarterback. He projects as a major impact player.

Considering how many defensive ends Ohio State will lose by the end of the 2022 season, Abor’s commitment is an important one. The Buckeyes now have two elite edge rushers in their current recruiting class. He joins Hollywood, Florida’s Kenyatta Jackson, who pledged to the Ohio State football program in mid-December and is the number seven edge rusher nationally.

Abor has not yet signed his letter of intent. He plans to do so after taking visits to Texas A&M and Texas (I know what you’re thinking and am staying away from that). Right now, the Buckeyes have the top recruiting class in the Big Ten and are fourth nationally.