Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

Ohio State, 7-1:

The Buckeyes brought in another banner class with five 5-star recruits. Anytime you bring in that much talent on the front end, expect competition for snaps. This season is no different. With key departures like the secondary and offensive line, there will be some freshmen stealing snaps from veterans this fall.

All eyes will be on the quarterback battler as well as 5-star defensive end Jack Sawyer. There are many new faces that have a chance to play this fall, these are three of them.

• Jakalin Johnson, CB: With the departure of Shaun Wade, there is an open space at cornerback. The veteran corner the Buckeyes are high on is Sevyn Banks which means the other corner spot is open. Johnson can play both zone and man coverage. Johnson plays smart and takes a cerebral approach to the game. There is little doubt that Johnson will play early.
• Donovan Jackson, OG: Guard Wyatt Davis is off to the NFL and Jackson is a five-star. The Texas high school stand-out plays the position the way scouts love to see. Jackson is physical and finishes blocks to the whistle. Ohio State offensive coaches love the polish he has for a high school student. Jackson is long with good flexibility and is dominating in a phone booth. Expect Jackson to compete and play early in his career.
• Jack Sawyer, DE: Last season, the knock on the Buckeyes defense last season was the lack of a dominant pass rusher. There was no Bosa or Chase Young on the defense last season. Sawyer could be that missing piece. Sawyer is an elite athlete in the mold of the great defensive ends in Ohio State history. Sawyer has great get-off on the snap and great bend with the ability to turn speed into power. Though Sawyer is light at 248 pounds, the Pickerington North High School product is physical enough to stand up against the run and takes pride in being known as a defensive end who can stop the run.