As for what Ballard brings to the table, he says that he has great ball skills, I can track the ball and get it at the highest point, and those are just some of the traits that had Brian Hartline dying to make him a Buckeye during the recruiting process. Very natural pass catcher who can adjust to passes and make difficult grabs. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. The Columbus Dispatchs Bill Rabinowitz compared him to Devin Smith another former Buckeye from Massillon and I couldnt agree more (not that Rabinowitz needs my affirmation). Minutes on the field will have to be earned, but four-star freshman Jayden Ballard will be up for the task. Spring goals include rounding out his short and intermediate game. Thats not a valid source. Im looking forward to just having fun, Ballard said of the upcoming experience. Coach Hartline is a very good recruiter and he knows what type of players he needs. Prep Tracker: Jayden Ballard's Trick Pass Play Buoys Late Comeback, Gabe Powers Leads Defensive Charge, Mike Hall Set to Return From Injury. That is the position vacated by Olave, who is someone he admired and wants to emulate. Has good height. Like Olave before him, he knows a special teams impact can quickly turn into something bigger. Not taking anything away from his teammates ability to do the same thing, but Ballards potential to take the top off the defense could earn him a unique role in this years offense. Im just trying to compete, Ballard said. Ballard really came into his own in his final two prep seasons, posting 68 catches for over 1,200 yards and 18 TDs as a junior (averaging 80.1 yards per game) and following it up with 36 catches for 573 yards and seven TDs as as senior in a COVID-19-adjusted schedule. We will continue to watch and read about those guys development as the year progresses, and I can only imagine the things they are cooking up in that WR lab. The wide receiver room within the Ohio State football program is overflowing with talent. Jayden Ballard starred at Massillon Washington High School before becoming a Buckeye, just as Devin Smith did before him. Ballard opened the box with his parents at home. Marvin Harrison Jr. committed shortly thereafter, and Emeka Egbuka did so much later in the process, making Ballard the third-highest WR recruit in his teams signing class. Over 20,000 fans attend annually with a more TV viewers then any other all-star game combined. Has the potential to develop into and NFL prospect. Ballard brings an explosive athletic skillset to the table in the Buckeyes' 2021 class, and he showcases that each time he takes the court, which he says has been very helpful in improving his. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Yet he also does not want to be labeled as merely a deep threat. Tracks the ball well in the air and wins in contested situations. School Preferences School Interest Offer Official Visit Ohio State Committed 6/21/2019 It is a great problem for OSU to have, but a challenge for the individual players. I think the first night on campus well get a little pickup game going. Whats a successful B1G tourney run look like for OSU? 15 wideout and the No. But Jaydens definitely a great basketball player. Just a few days before he signed his national letter of intent, Ballard took a few minutes to talk with us about the upcoming signing. 1 running back TreVeyon Henderson, five-star quarterback Kyle McCord, five-star offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, Top247 cornerback Jakailin Johnson, Top247 defensive tackle Mike Hall, Top247 cornerback Jordan Hancock, Top247 linebacker Reid Carrico, Top247 running back Evan Pryor, Top247 receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and four-star defensive lineman Tyleik Williams. Week 8: Ohio State vs. Penn State, Oct. 29, State College, Pa. Week 9: Ohio State vs. Northwestern, Nov. 5, Evanston, Ill. Week 10: Ohio State vs Indiana, Nov. 12, Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State also has Marvin Harrison Jr. (Philadelphia, Pa.) secured in this 2021 cycle along with Ballard, and is firmly in the running for heralded target Emeka Egbuka (Steilacoom, Wash.). 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ive known him for a while. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Ballard left no room for anyone to question his affinity for the hometown team, and he committed to the Buckeyes all the way back in June of 2019 before finally signing his official letter of intent this past December. 2021 wide receiver Jayden Ballard has committed to Ohio State. So what has he done since December to draw such praise from a soon-to-be first-round NFL Draft pick? Ballard makes the two-hour trip south from Massillon to Columbus as the nations No. So theres always a lot of talk going on about that., Point guard: Jordan Hancock or Evan Pryor. "Jayden's really good, too," star Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave said. 4 in-state recruit in the class, Ballard's. He is the best WR in college football, and I refuse to hear otherwise. I think our class is one of the best classes to be put together, Ballard said before going into what made OSU right for him. A member of the Ohio MaxPreps All-State team Ballard is a blazer with size and leaping ability. Support cleveland.com. When you look at the receiver room, the biggest growth from last year to this year is definitely Jayden Ballard, Harrison said. Ohio State's passing game may have taken a hit. On3 is a registered trademark of On3 Media, Inc. Has to get stronger and keep working through the route tree, but a very talented athlete who can be a No. Ballard and Massillon Washington pull away to defeat Benedictine, 28-10, Friday evening at home. Jayden committed to Ohio State in June of 2019 after also . Especially when you play in such a talent-rich region, hauling in the local guys is of large importance. Sawyer, who laughs and says Im by far the best basketball player. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. So if you (we) havent done so already, it sounds like its time to raise your expectations for this redshirt freshman. But well see. As he heads into his Ohio State career, one the begins the first week of January when he arrives to campus as an early enrollee, Jayden Ballard was excited to hear about the fact that the receivers room would be growing with the commitment of fellow high-end recruit Emeka Egbuka. In addition to the guys ahead of him, Ballard will also have to battle against fellow freshmen wide receivers in Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. During a recent spring practice, Day referenced Ballards big-play ability and also mentioned the wideout being a recipient of a most improved award from the strength staff. News never stops. He's been working hard, and now he has been welcomed into the brotherhood as a member . Good athlete who also excels on the basketball court. Harrison Jr. showed out in the Rose Bowl, and physically, is unlike any other WR on the OSU roster. We spoke with five of the Buckeyes signees last week to get their thoughts on who a starting five would be from the entire 21-man group, and Ballard was the only unanimous selection. While his intentions were clear from the jump, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound pass-catcher still got interest from Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Washington State. 2021 wide receiver Jayden Ballard has committed to Ohio State. Ballard said he is working behind third-year Julian Fleming as the Z receiver. Im not afraid to make a mistake. As a result, really talented players like Jayden Ballard may fall off some peoples radar. Watch Jayden Ballard's videos and highlights on Hudl. (Kyle) can really shoot. The bigger strides, though, are mental. Column: The Urban Meyer NFL experiment was an even bigger disaster than we realized, Ohio State Recruiting 2016: Everything You Need To Know, Ohio State Recruiting 2015: Everything You Need To Know. Just three months later, he had proven to himself and to Brian Hartline that he was ready for the next step and earned his spot in the Buckeyes 2021 class. He is an OSU Scholar-Athlete who is majoring in sport coaching, rec and physical education B1G WBB Week 10: Indiana and Maryland battle, Ohio State shines in award predictions, A larger coaching role should lead to a larger recruiting role for Brian Hartline and Ohio State, Why is this News? You can count Mickey Marotti and his crew among the growing number of Ballard fans, and be rest assured that he is putting in the work. Ballard has the potential to come from further back in the pack, and develop into a real contributor for this OSU offense. Ballard now enters the 2022 season still projected to play behind a number of other wide receivers, but this time around, his name is coming up as a player to keep our eyes on. What Melton, Stover tell us about footballs defense, The defenses new position could help new stars emerge: Lesmerises. 4 in-state recruit in the class, Ballards commitment solidified Ryan Day and his staff locking up the top four players in Ohio in the cycle. Ballard sounds like a guy who is up for the challenge, so I am eager to see what he can do in the future. While the vast majority of Ballards athletic focus over the next two weeks is preparing for his descent on the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, thats not stopping him from getting in some final minutes on the basketball court. And he signed before either of those classmates, which is further evidence that Hartline and Day have been intrigued by his potential for some time. 1 receiver in college. COLUMBUS, Ohio Jayden Ballard would just as soon not talk for himself, thanks. Became Massillons all-time leader in career receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2020 The relationship between Ballard and Ohio State really didnt kick into gear until the Buckeyes 2019 spring game when Ballard visited with his parents. Regardless of overall class rank, Ballard was a unanimous top-5 player in the state of Ohio and committed to Ohio State during the summer of 2019. Find your friends on Facebook. This season Ballard will likely see some playing time, but will still have to live in the shadows of superstar receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Skull Session: Kamryn Babb Says Goodbye New (I Think?) Hometown Massillon, Ohio. Podcast, Teams to watch as spring football begins: Survivor podcast. Ballard put together a historic career for head coach Nate Moore at Washington High School, hauling in a total of 146 receptions for over 2,600 yards and 37 touchdowns the latter two stats of which make him the all-time career leader for the Tigers. 9 Smith did while piling up 2,500 receiving yards and becoming a second-round draft pick. Its played inside the Alamo Dome every January in San Antonio, Texas with NBC bringing the national broadcast. I think Ben would be a great center with his big body down there. Which is fine, because a lot of other people have no problem talking up Ballard these days. Despite being a top-100 player in his recruiting class, Ballard has not always been hyped up like some of his WR peers. Apr 17, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jayden Ballard (10) makes the catch during the annual spring game at Ohio Stadium. COLUMBUS The Buckeyes have landed a commitment from one of Ohios best athletes. Overall Rank: #190 Position Rank: #15 (WR) 40 time: seconds. he also led the Tigers to three-straight Division 2 state title games. That play ultimately led to the Tigers first touchdown. Jayden Ballard working out at Ohio State in June of 2018. They did just that. As a junior, caught 68 passes for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 80.1 yards per game Egbuka has an Olave/Wilson-esque ceiling, and I will go to my grave holding Fleming stock but where is the Terry Glenn/Devin Smith-type deep ball specialist? (Birm/Lettermen Row). In-state recruiting has always been a huge point of emphasis for Ohio State, and that has not changed under Ryan Day. 247Sports offers Ballard a professional comparison of Tampa Bay WR Chris Godwin, and describes him as a deep ball threat who can be a No. Stay tuned to BuckeyesNow and all of our social media outlets (@BuckeyesNowSI) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for continued coverage! I aint gonna lie, me and Jack were playing at the Buckeye Bash, and he was cooking me the whole time, Henderson said. Has the potential to develop into and NFL prospect.. In just 18 passes, he soon-to-be third year player threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns. On campus in Columbus, Ballard and Hartline linked up again with the focus being turned to a return trip for the huge Ohio State recruiting weekend of June 21 where the Buckeyes hoped to secure a pledge from one of Ohios best young prospects. A top-100 prospect who was rated as the nations No. COLUMBUS, Ohio Jayden Ballard would just as soon not talk for himself, thanks. Ohio State five-star DL target to commit this month. Five-star DL from Florida has Ohio State easily top two in his recruitment. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2021: OSU Scholar-Athlete, More on Jayden Can get down the field and take the top off a defense. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Despite being ranked behind Egbuka and Harrison Jr., Ballard was a certified stud coming out of high school. Shows fluidity in his route running. Jayden Ballard was a top-100 (inside the top-50 at one point) national recruit, and one of the highest-rated players in Ohio coming out of high school which is no surprise, given that he set . He was recognized in that area, just for his work every day, his accountability, and just his physical gains, Day said. Land-Grant Holy Land, an Ohio State Buckeyes community, Ohio State five-star DL target to commit this month. Watch. If supporting an indie site is your thing, please considerbecoming a 12th Warrior,buying our merch, or contributing in other ways. Track and field athlete who runs several events. In his high school career, he recorded 141 catches for 2,636 yards and 37 touchdowns, becoming Massillon Washington's all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Hes had a nice offseason. More info: Massillon Washington High School - Massillon Tigers / WR, CB / Class of 2021 / Massillon, OH Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Is the son of Christina March and Jamaal Ballard. And if Olave and Day are gassing a player up, we should probably pay close attention especially since Olave knows a thing or two about rocketing up the depth chart. Status Signed Ohio State 06/21/2019. Same-Sex Marriage By: Jayden Ballard Kids grown up with Homosexual parents have no disadvantages whatsoever. Even though he may not be as highly touted in this class as fellow 2021 wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Ballard is no slouch by any means. Hauled in seven passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a regional final win over Perry Again, not taking away from any of these guys potential to be just that, but Ballard has been billed as the potential next version of those former Buckeye greats. Harrison had already served notice of his arrival last spring and in preseason camp, then capped his freshman season with a huge Rose Bowl performance. During the Buckeye Bash, Sawyer played against Pryor, Henderson and Tyleik Williams in King of the Court at a park near his home in Pickerington during the Buckeye Bash. Top Jayden Ballard News 2022-23 college football bowl schedule, dates, times CBS Sports David Cobb Dec 28, 2022 In an interview with Eleven Warriors a few days prior to his signing, Ballard talked briefly about what it was going to be like to be in the same position group as six other players ranked in the top 100 overall. Every scholarship receiver had a table to himself in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). (Hes) no B.S. Ballard is an Ohio native, hailing from Massillon Washington High School, and has been already been a Buckeye for nearly two years. Ballard makes the two-hour trip south from Massillon to Columbus as the nation's No. Because of Ballards age, the ability to communicate over the last year-plus has been limited to primarily face-to-face contact and that isnt always easy to accomplish when youre dealing with an active teenage athlete. Jayden Ballard from Massillon, OH, a 4-star wide receiver, is joining the 2021 recruiting class and making his way to Columbus. Shows fluidity in his route running. Follow on Social Media 1 receiver at a place as loaded at the position group like Ohio State is. Se was proud of me and knew what I can do to put myself in position to play in this game.. JSN does, and will continue to do, everything for Ohio State. and plays Wide Receiver. He is a 4-star recruit according. I stopped after my freshman year to focus on football. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said strength coach Mickey Marotti and his staff recognized Ballard with one of the teams most improved awards at the pre-spring champions banquet. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In his final season at Washington, he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance to the Division II state championship game. 3 guy in Jameson Williams as well as a pair of former five-star prospects in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming who are both expected to play big roles in the new campaign. Ballard only played in one game . So now its time to go put it on the field.. Gets off the ground quickly and attacks passes at their highest point. Jayden Ballard is in his second season with Ohio State As a freshman, Ballard played in three games and had one reception for four yards from backup quarterback Kyle McCord against Akron.. Well, the roster still says hes 6-2, 195 pounds, but he concurs with Olaves assessment of his physical progress. Ballard went through his recruitment quietly, and he went through spring camp quietly. and will push me hard.. Overall Rating: 78.8 / 100. We really like the way Jayden Ballards come on, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. 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