An edge rusher from Texas has been offered by Ohio State football: Buckeye Breakfast
Ohio State football is always in pursuit of the best talent from across the nation, and this season is no different. The Buckeyes, known for their ability to reload year after year with elite talent, have recently extended an offer to a promising edge rusher out of Texas. This recruit is being closely watched by fans, analysts, and scouts alike as he has the potential to make a significant impact on Ohio State’s defense. This article will dive deep into the specifics of this edge rusher’s recruitment, what makes him a standout player, and how he fits into Ohio State’s future defensive schemes.
Meet the Recruit: A Glimpse into the Future of Ohio State’s Defense
The recruit in question is Jaxon Howard, a rising star from DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas. Howard, who stands at 6’4″ and weighs 240 pounds, is considered one of the top edge rushers in the country for the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his combination of size, strength, and explosiveness, Howard has been turning heads with his performances both on the field and in his workouts. His ability to get off the ball quickly, shed blockers, and get to the quarterback has earned him praise from analysts, coaches, and scouts.
Howard’s recruitment has been a hot topic in the football world, as top programs around the country have shown interest in securing his commitment. His offer from Ohio State is just the latest in a string of offers from elite programs. The Buckeyes, in particular, have been known for developing top-tier defensive talent, and an edge rusher like Howard would fit perfectly into the defensive line schemes run by head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
The Recruitment Process: A Competitive Battle for Howard’s Commitment
The recruitment of Jaxon Howard is expected to be a highly competitive battle, with schools from across the country vying for his services. Howard has already received offers from some of the top football programs in the nation, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, and several other prominent programs. The fact that Ohio State has extended an offer is a clear sign of the program’s intent to compete for top defensive talent, particularly at the edge rusher position, which has long been a strong suit for the Buckeyes.
Howard’s decision will ultimately come down to a few key factors: the program’s ability to develop his skills, its success on the national stage, and its history of producing successful NFL talent. Ohio State, with its consistent presence in the College Football Playoff and its reputation for developing NFL-caliber players, will likely be an appealing option for Howard. The Buckeyes have sent countless defensive players to the NFL over the years, including standout edge rushers like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa—all of whom have found success in the NFL.
In terms of recruiting pitch, Ohio State has a lot to offer. The school’s reputation for elite coaching and development is unmatched. Under the guidance of Jim Knowles, who has proven to be one of the top defensive minds in the country, Ohio State’s defense has made great strides, particularly in the pass rush department. With Howard being a pass-rushing specialist, the opportunity to work with a defensive coordinator who is renowned for maximizing edge rushers’ potential would be an enticing prospect.
What Makes Jaxon Howard a Special Prospect?
Jaxon Howard’s recruitment as one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 class is no coincidence. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a unique talent with the potential to dominate at the next level. Let’s break down some of the key attributes that make Howard such an exciting prospect.
1. Explosive First Step
One of the most important qualities of a great edge rusher is the ability to explode off the line of scrimmage. Howard has shown that he possesses one of the quickest first steps in the country. This allows him to get around offensive tackles with ease and disrupt plays in the backfield. Whether it’s on a pass rush or when pursuing the ball carrier in the run game, Howard’s ability to quickly close space and create havoc in the backfield will be one of his defining features at the next level.
2. Strength and Physicality
At 240 pounds, Howard has the ideal size to be a dominant edge rusher in college football. He has the strength to overpower offensive linemen, and his physicality allows him to disengage from blockers quickly, creating opportunities to get to the quarterback. His frame also gives him the potential to add weight without losing his speed and explosiveness, which will be critical as he transitions into the college game and beyond.
3. Pass-Rushing Technique
Howard’s technique as a pass rusher is advanced for a player of his age. He has a variety of moves in his arsenal, including speed rushes, power rushes, and a mix of hand techniques that make it difficult for offensive linemen to block him. His ability to use a combination of finesse and power to get to the quarterback is a hallmark of elite edge rushers at the collegiate and professional levels.
4. Versatility
While Howard is primarily known for his ability to rush the passer, his versatility as a defender sets him apart from many other edge rushers. He’s shown the ability to drop into coverage, making him a more well-rounded defender who can contribute in multiple ways. This is a trait that is becoming increasingly important in modern football, as defensive schemes are evolving to include more complex blitz packages and coverage responsibilities for pass rushers.
5. Football IQ and Leadership
Howard’s football IQ is another aspect that makes him an attractive recruit. He is not just physically gifted; he also has a great understanding of the game. His ability to read plays and adjust to offensive schemes is exceptional for a player of his age. Additionally, Howard is a leader on the field, known for motivating his teammates and setting the tone in practices and games.
How Jaxon Howard Fits Into Ohio State’s Defensive Scheme
Ohio State’s defense under Jim Knowles is predicated on creating chaos and disruption in the backfield. The Buckeyes rely heavily on their edge rushers to generate pressure on the quarterback, and that is an area where Jaxon Howard would thrive. The 4-2-5 defensive scheme used by Ohio State allows the defensive line to be aggressive, with edge rushers playing a key role in both pass rushing and run defense. Howard’s ability to rush the passer on the edge while also setting the edge against the run makes him an ideal fit for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Additionally, Ohio State’s recent success in developing edge rushers—particularly players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa—will undoubtedly be a selling point for Howard. The Buckeyes have a proven track record of turning talented edge rushers into first-round NFL draft picks, and that’s an opportunity that will appeal to Howard as he looks to develop his game and prepare for the next level.
Ohio State’s defense has become known for its attacking style, and Howard’s skill set aligns perfectly with the program’s philosophy. With his combination of speed, power, and versatility, Howard has the potential to be a standout for the Buckeyes, contributing to their defensive success while continuing Ohio State’s legacy of elite edge rushers.
The Buckeyes’ Recruitment Strategy and The Road Ahead
With the offer extended to Jaxon Howard, Ohio State is firmly in the mix for one of the top edge rushers in the country. The recruitment process will undoubtedly continue to be highly competitive, but Ohio State’s strong reputation, combined with the recent success of its defense, will give the Buckeyes a good chance to secure Howard’s commitment.
For Ohio State, recruiting players like Howard is critical for maintaining their place among the elite programs in college football. With the 2025 recruiting class shaping up to be another strong one, Howard would represent a huge get for the Buckeyes and add to their already impressive defensive arsenal.
In the coming months, expect to hear a lot of buzz around Howard’s recruitment, as he takes official visits and narrows down his options. As things progress, Ohio State will likely continue to push hard for his commitment, highlighting the opportunities to develop under a top-tier defensive staff and the chance to compete for national championships in one of the most prestigious football programs in the country.
