Buckeyes Look to Jermaine Matthews Jr. to Be Next Great OSU DB

The Ohio State University football program has long been known for producing elite athletes at almost every position, but one of the areas in which it has truly excelled in recent decades is the defensive backfield. The Buckeyes have a rich history of developing standout defensive backs, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in the NFL. From players like Chris Gamble and Malcolm Jenkins to Denzel Ward and Jeff Okudah, Ohio State has established itself as a pipeline for top-tier cornerbacks and safeties.

In 2023, the Ohio State Buckeyes were hoping to find their next great defensive back, someone who could follow in the footsteps of these legendary players and elevate the program’s defense. Enter Jermaine Matthews Jr., a highly touted recruit from Cincinnati, Ohio, whose physical attributes, playing style, and potential have many excited about his future in Scarlet and Gray.

Matthews, a 6-foot-0, 190-pound cornerback, is a name that Buckeyes fans have been buzzing about ever since his commitment to Ohio State in the 2023 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the nation. As a result, the coaching staff and fans alike are eagerly anticipating his development and eventual impact on the field.

In this article, we’ll explore the rise of Jermaine Matthews Jr., his potential to become the next great Ohio State defensive back, and the factors that could contribute to his success in Columbus.

Early Life and High School Career

Jermaine Matthews Jr. was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Withrow High School. From a young age, Matthews showed immense promise as a football player, excelling in various positions on the field. He played both cornerback and wide receiver during his high school career, which gave him a well-rounded skill set that translates well to the defensive backfield.

Matthews’ high school career was nothing short of spectacular. He was widely regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the state of Ohio, earning multiple honors and accolades. During his senior season at Withrow, Matthews recorded over 50 tackles and several interceptions, showcasing his ability to both shut down receivers and make plays on the ball.

What set Matthews apart from many of his peers was his combination of athleticism and intelligence. He possesses excellent speed, agility, and explosiveness, which allows him to keep pace with fast receivers and break up passes with precision. His football IQ is another standout trait, as he demonstrates a deep understanding of offensive and defensive schemes. Matthews is known for his ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate throws, and make adjustments on the fly—all qualities that make him a dangerous threat in the secondary.

It was clear that Matthews had the potential to become a star at the collegiate level. His impressive high school career attracted attention from a number of top programs across the country, but it was Ohio State that ultimately won his commitment.

The Recruitment Process

The recruitment of Jermaine Matthews Jr. was a competitive process, with several major college football programs vying for his commitment. However, Ohio State quickly emerged as the front-runner in his recruitment. Matthews grew up watching the Buckeyes, and the program’s consistent success in developing NFL-caliber defensive backs was a major selling point.

Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, worked hard to show Matthews how he would fit into the team’s defensive schemes. Matthews was impressed by the way Ohio State has consistently churned out elite defensive backs and how the coaching staff is able to develop players at his position. In addition, the opportunity to play for a program with national championship aspirations and compete at the highest level of college football was too appealing to pass up.

In June 2022, Matthews committed to Ohio State, solidifying his place as part of the Buckeyes’ 2023 recruiting class. His decision was met with widespread excitement among fans and analysts alike, as many saw Matthews as a potential game-changer for the program’s secondary.

Matthews’ Skill Set and Strengths

One of the main reasons why Jermaine Matthews Jr. has generated so much excitement is his impressive skill set. His combination of physical attributes, technique, and football IQ make him an ideal candidate to excel at the cornerback position at the collegiate level.

Physical Attributes

At 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, Matthews possesses the ideal frame for a cornerback. His size gives him the ability to challenge larger receivers and be physical in press coverage, while his speed and agility allow him to stay with fast, shifty receivers on deep routes. Matthews has a quick burst off the line of scrimmage and displays excellent closing speed when breaking on the ball.

One of his standout traits is his ability to contest catches at the highest point. Matthews is known for his excellent leaping ability, which allows him to challenge receivers on high throws and even make plays on jump balls. His physicality and strength also allow him to excel in run support, as he’s not afraid to come up and make tackles in the open field.

Coverage Ability

Matthews is an exceptional man-to-man corner, thanks to his fluid footwork and excellent mirror skills. His ability to keep pace with receivers on both short and long routes is one of the reasons he’s been so successful in high school. Whether it’s pressing a receiver at the line of scrimmage or shadowing him downfield, Matthews has the skills to prevent passes from being completed.

He is also well-versed in zone coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and understanding where his assignment is going to be. Matthews has shown an ability to anticipate throws and make plays on the ball, which is one of the key factors in his ability to create turnovers.

Ball Skills

One of Matthews’ most notable skills is his ability to track and intercept the football. In his high school career, he demonstrated a knack for getting his hands on the ball, registering numerous interceptions and pass breakups. Matthews has an instinctual feel for when the ball is coming his way, and he’s able to adjust his positioning in order to make a play on the football.

His ball skills are especially impressive when you consider his versatility. Not only is Matthews a strong coverage corner, but he’s also effective when playing in the air. His ability to locate and secure the ball makes him a major threat in both man-to-man and zone coverage.

Transition to Ohio State

When Matthews arrived at Ohio State, he was entering a program with one of the nation’s most storied histories at the cornerback position. From Day 1, he was immediately thrust into a competitive environment, with numerous talented cornerbacks already on the roster.

Despite the competition, Matthews quickly began to make an impression. His work ethic, football intelligence, and willingness to learn made him a standout in the classroom and on the practice field. With the guidance of defensive backs coach Tim Walton and coordinator Jim Knowles, Matthews was able to develop the finer points of his craft, including footwork, technique, and recognition of offensive tendencies.

In his first year at Ohio State, Matthews was expected to contribute on special teams, but his potential to start in the secondary was never in doubt. Many expect him to compete for significant playing time, with a chance to work into the rotation at cornerback early in his career.

What the Future Holds for Matthews

As Matthews continues to develop and adjust to the college game, Buckeyes fans are excited to see what the future holds for the young cornerback. With Ohio State consistently competing for national championships and developing top-tier talent, Matthews has the potential to become the next great defensive back to wear the Scarlet and Gray.

While it’s still early in his career, Matthews’ combination of physical tools and football IQ make him a prime candidate to eventually become one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Whether he excels as a lockdown corner or contributes in multiple areas of the defense, Matthews’ potential is sky-high, and Ohio State’s defense could benefit greatly from his playmaking ability.

The Buckeyes have a history of producing elite defensive backs, and Jermaine Matthews Jr. could very well be the next in a long line of greats to come through Columbus. Fans are eager to see him develop, and with his talent and work ethic, it’s only a matter of time before Matthews makes a major impact on the field for Ohio State.

As Matthews’ career at Ohio State progresses, one thing is for certain: the future of Buckeyes football is in good hands with this talented young defensive back leading the way.