The State of Ohio clinches the coveted transfer from Rutgers graduate

COLUMBUS – An influx of experience, size and skill is on the offensive line of the state of Ohio.

The Buckeyes addressed Monday one of the most pressing issues on the list by referring back to the transfer database. This time, Jonah Jackson, a graduate of Rutgers, will become a guardian who will immediately be eligible upon his arrival on campus. The honorable mention of the All-Big Ten group and a respected Scarlet Knights captain confirmed the transfer of Lettermen Row. Jackson will engage directly in a battle with an inside lineman and could eventually become a starter for a reorganized unit that has to replace four. starting full time from last season.

Jackson visited the state of Ohio last month while he weighed his next move. And after reducing his options in what amounted to a two-team race against Oklahoma, he traded from the bottom of the Big Ten East standings to the two-time defending champion of the conference.

"The state of Ohio felt like the ideal solution," Jackson told Lettermen Row. "I spent a lot of time during my brief visit and I made very good connections with the players. In addition, the relationship I have established with the coaches is fantastic and I trust the plan they have developed.

"It's crazy, I had the opportunity. It's a good time, but it's time to get to work. "

Jackson did it impressively for the Scarlet Knights. Despite all of Rutgers' hardships over the past two years, the offensive line has actually been a bright spot for the program – and Jackson has been a key player in that relative success. As a Redshirt junior, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound player started in 11 games for a team that finished second in the Big Ten.

Jackson has also brought his experience to the center with Ohio State, and this versatility will be just as important as the offensive line coach, Greg Studrawa, mixes and equalizes his staff to get the appropriate group of five on the field. The Buckeyes need to replace the anchor in the middle after Michael Jordan's NFL draft declaration, which contributed to the rotation after straight tackle Isaiah Prince and Guards Demetrius Knox and Malcolm Pridgeon all graduated. .

The Buckeyes expect Josh Myers to take the leading role, but Jackson's addition could offer a little more flexibility and competition as he also fights for one of Wyatt's vacancies, Wyatt Davis having to keep his grip on the other.

No matter how this group eventually dissipates, there is no doubt that Jonah Jackson's decision to join him should give the Buckeyes a boost.