The Buckeyes have secured a commitment from De’Zie Jones, a wide receiver hailing from DePaul Catholic in Wayne, New Jersey, following his visit to Ohio State over the weekend. Jones made his commitment official on Saturday, marking a significant addition to Ohio State’s recruiting roster.
Jones’ teammate, Deshawn Stewart, a safety, did not accompany him on the visit to Ohio State but has since decided to commit to the Buckeyes as well. When asked about his choice, Stewart emphasized the strong sense of brotherhood and the unique atmosphere at Ohio State, expressing confidence that the school would bring out the best in him.
Ohio State’s safeties coach, Matt Guerrieri, initiated contact with DePaul Catholic back in January and has maintained a steady recruitment effort, along with coaches Ryan Day, Tim Walton, and Brian Hartline. Stewart expressed his intention to attend the upcoming spring game, indicating his enthusiasm for joining the Buckeyes.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Stewart has demonstrated versatility on the field, having played both safety and cornerback for DePaul Catholic. He received a scholarship offer from Ohio State on January 19, swiftly followed by a visit from Guerrieri a week later. Stewart’s commitment to Ohio State underscores his position as a highly sought-after prospect, ranking as a 4-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite.
Stewart’s decision to join Ohio State comes after careful consideration of offers from other prestigious institutions such as Penn State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin, among others. His commitment adds to Ohio State’s growing list of recruits for the class of 2025, which already includes notable names like Ohio quarterback Tavien St. Clair, New Jersey wide receiver De’zie Jones, and several others.
Looking ahead, Stewart’s presence on the Buckeyes’ roster is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly in the secondary. With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill set, Stewart is poised to make a significant impact on the field for Ohio State.
In terms of positional strategy, while Ohio State has targeted safeties like Trey McNutt, Faheem Delane, and Jonah Williams, Stewart’s addition demonstrates the coaching staff’s commitment to securing top talent in multiple positions. The Buckeyes aim to build a well-rounded roster capable of competing at the highest level of collegiate football.
Moreover, Stewart’s recruitment highlights Ohio State’s continued success in recruiting from talent-rich regions such as New Jersey. By attracting top prospects like Stewart, the Buckeyes reaffirm their status as a destination for elite athletes seeking to further their academic and athletic careers.
In conclusion, Deshawn Stewart’s commitment to Ohio State represents a significant milestone in his football journey, as well as a promising addition to the Buckeyes’ recruiting class. With his talent, dedication, and potential, Stewart embodies the caliber of student-athlete that Ohio State strives to cultivate within its program. As he prepares to don the scarlet and gray, Stewart’s presence promises to contribute to the continued success and competitiveness of Ohio State football.
