Ohio State Football: An in-depth look into cornerback room

After a couple of disappointing seasons, the Ohio State football team has looked to finally revamp their cornerback room. It seems to have been destroyed by lackluster recruiting cycles. However, to Ohio State’s delight, the transfer portal has helped them out.

Today we will look at each cornerback on scholarship and see where they are from, their HS ranking, and how we feel they will contribute this season. We will begin with freshmen and end with seniors.

Jermaine Matthews Jr. Freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio

Matthews is from Winton Woods High School. He was a late bloomer as he rose up the recruiting ranks later on in his high school days. He was a four-star recruit. According to 247Sports, he was the 148th-ranked player in the class of 2023 and was the 14th-ranked cornerback. He is best known for his speed as he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash time. He played good man coverage in high school, and Ohio State will look to continue to develop Matthews for next year.

Role Prediction: Plays very little to get ready for next year. 

Ryan Turner Sophomore, Hollywood, Florida

This could be Turner’s make-or-break season. You wouldn’t say that around ten years ago, but it is the age that we live in. If Turner doesn’t get much playing time, he could look for a new home. However, he will have plenty of chances this year to lock in a starting spot.

Turner was a three-star recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep. He had plenty of offers, including Florida. Turner will get his chance, but I believe he will not be able to secure a starting spot. However, I believe he will be a valuable piece of depth and will get reps with the first team.

Role Prediction: Backup

Jyaire Brown Sophomore, New Orleans, Louisiana

Was born in Cincinnati but lived most of his life in New Orleans. Brown is in a similar position as Turner as this could be his make-or-break season. And just like Turner, he will have an opportunity to earn the starting job just like the rest of Tim Walton’s group.

Brown was a four-star talent and had offers from all over the country. Brown has the talent to be a great corner, but can he put it all together? Has Walton developed him into a starter? In my opinion, I think Brown gets more reps than Turner will.

Role Prediction: Backup

Davison Igbinosun Sophomore, Union, New Jersey

He is listed on the Ohio State football team’s roster as a safety, but many expect him to be a cornerback at Ohio State. Igbinosun played for the Ole Miss Rebels last year and was very good against top-level SEC talent. He was a Freshman All-American by College Football News and had five pass deflections as well. He was a four-star talent. Igbinosun was considered one of the biggest gets for the Ohio State football program this offseason, and I believe he will live up to the hype.

Role Prediction: Day one starter

Jordan Hancock Junior, Suwanee, Georgia

Hancock was highly recruited out of high school. Once upon a time he was committed to Clemson but flipped to Ohio State. He came into college with high expectations. So far he hasn’t shined, but he hasn’t played as much as many thought. However there is still time, and he will find himself in the rotation.

Hancock is too talented not to be in it. He was a four-star cornerback out of high school. He also played basketball and did track as well. I think Hancock will get a lot of playing time and will fulfill the billing of a high-level prospect.

Role Prediction: In Rotation with the first team

Denzel Burke Junior, Phoenix, Arizona

Once upon a time, in the summer of 2020, Denzel Burke committed to the Ohio State football program. Many had not heard much about this kid. They would soon as his 2021 campaign was incredible, especially for a freshman. He was being compared to Jeffrey Okudah.

His sophomore season came with the dreaded sophomore slump. Coach Jim Knowles kept him accountable and even benched him at one point. He has had a full offseason with this revamped defensive staff. He will get the chance to reintroduce himself to the college football world. If he struggles, look for Hancock to take his spot.

Role Prediction: Day-one starter, but with a short leash