Ohio State has secured another ESPN 300 prospect with the addition of Tyler Friday. Below, see why Friday projects as a versatile contributor to the Buckeyes' defensive line:
What he brings: Friday was a three-year starter and two-way player for one of the top programs in New Jersey at Don Bosco. While the four-star contributed at offensive tackle, he projects to the defensive side of the ball in college where he can bring some versatility in how he's developed and utilized along the line. He is a player with good size and frame and carries his weight well with room to still physically develop with time in the Buckeyes' strength and conditioning program. The big man can be a physical and stout presence against the run. Possesses good strength and point of attack skills with the ability to fire out, shoot hands and hold ground. Can disrupt as a pass-rusher with a powerful bull rush. A player with good natural ability, Friday also plays with an excellent motor.
How he fits: Ohio State is in the mix to sign the top class in the country and, while loaded with talent heading into the new year, it still had one need to be addressed and that was at the defensive end position. The Buckeyes have since been able to address that, first with in-state DL Tyreke Smith, who is coming off a strong performance at the Under Armour All-America game, and now the addition of Friday. The ESPN 300 big man is listed as a DT but can be utilized at DE at least initially to help address that need. A prospect with a bit of a tweener's build, he has played both on the edge and inside for his high school, and the Buckeyes can develop him at DE. A player with good strength and that plays with solid technique and a motor, Friday can be a candidate to come in and contribute right away and at least offer some needed depth at the position. In time, we wouldn't be surprised if he grows into more of DT, but this is a good football player who can help address a need and in the big picture, whether inside or at DE, give them another talented lineman.
Reminds us of: Friday reminds us of Arizona State DL JoJo Wicker. Also an ESPN 300 prospect in the 2015 class, Wicker was a prospect with similar measurables and a bit of a 'tweener coming out, but was also a tough, active defender that was able to contribute at DE, like Friday could end up doing for the Buckeyes.
How the class is shaping up: Ohio State continues to assemble one of the top classes in the nation. The addition of Friday now gives the Buckeyes 23 prospects in their class, with 17 ranked within the ESPN 300. He is the sixth commit or signee in this class projected to the defensive line and included in that group is No. 1 DT Taron Vincent and No. 1 JC DT Antwuan Jackson Jr.. Friday is also the third prospect in this class out of the NY/NJ area joining ESPN 300 OL Matthew Jones and No. 1 TE-Y Jeremy Ruckert.