He camped with Ohio State in early June and was much improved in that outing compared to his performance at The Opening regional camp at the end of April. He is the best WR in college football, and I refuse to hear otherwise. I think the first night on campus well get a little pickup game going. Harrison Jr. showed out in the Rose Bowl, and physically, is unlike any other WR on the OSU roster. 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 . 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. I think me and Jayden are definitely the best basketball players. He totaled one reception for four yards as a third-string option. Sawyer, who laughs and says Im by far the best basketball player. 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. Jayden Ballard. Jayden Ballard is my guy, Chris Olave said. Jayden Ballard, Wide Receiver, Massillon Washington | Irish Sports Daily Football Recruiting Status: Committed HIGH SCHOOL Jayden Ballard Wide Receiver 61 / 164 lbs Massillon, OH Massillon Washington Class of 2021 Rating: 92 ? Still needs to builk up, but is well developed in his lower body. Not only are there proven guys in front of him, but he will also have to compete for reps with talented freshmen such as Caleb Burton, Kyion Grayes, and Kojo Antwi. Week 6: Ohio State vs. Michigan State, Oct. 8, East Lansing, Mich. Week 7: Ohio State vs. Iowa, Oct. 22, Columbus, Ohio. 6-2, 170 | Class of 2021. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Obviously becoming the top wide receiver at Ohio State is quite a difficult task. Ballard opened the box with his parents at home. School Washington High School. As an independent site, we're committed to delivering Buckeye fans the news and analysis they deserve, all while remaining free. 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). 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. Owns the following personal best: 10.89 100, 22.77 200, 6-0 high jump, and 21-9 1/4 long jump. Ballard said he is working behind third-year Julian Fleming as the Z receiver. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Routes become crisper. Week 11: Ohio State vs. Maryland, Nov. 19, College Park, MD. 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? Jayden Ballard Excited for Pretty Dangerous Receiver Group, Finding Out Basketball Starting Five Among 2021 Signees, Bucks in Desperate Need of Win At Nebraska, Offense Sputters for Second Straight Game, Former Oregon State Quarterback Tristan Gebbia Transferring to Ohio State, Ohio State Captain Kamryn Babb Wont Use Final Year of Eligibility: "I Am Excited to Start the Next Chapter That God Has For Me". As a junior, caught 68 passes for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 80.1 yards per game Get the latest Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Heres where you can order Ohio State football gear online, including jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and much more. If supporting an indie site is your thing, please considerbecoming a 12th Warrior,buying our merch, or contributing in other ways. Redshirt freshman receiver Jayden Ballard (10) was recognized as one of Ohio State's most improved players of the offseason.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 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. Ballard is a blazer with size and leaping ability. Find your friends on Facebook. Jayden Ballard from Massillon, OH, a 4-star wide receiver, is joining the 2021 recruiting class and making his way to Columbus. Everyone wants to be a baller. I feel more confident, Ballard said. pic.twitter.com/h71pxjQzG0. Overall Rank: #190 Position Rank: #15 (WR) 40 time: seconds. Led the Tigers to three consecutive Division II state title games We probably could have taken some more shots, but its always our plan to establish the run and then take what the defense gives in the passing game. He is 6'2" - 175 lbs. Ballard arrived at OSU last spring as a top-100 prospect yet overshadowed by the nations top-ranked receiver Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr.s Hall of Fame name. While Olave and Wilson moved on, Ballard knows the depth chart remains top-heavy. That receiver is Jayden Ballard. Go Bucks! With the way Ohio State has been recruiting the wide receiver position these past few years, even some of the programs high four-star prospects can get lost in the shuffle. Its not personal, the ambivalence he felt about meeting with the media this past Thursday after Ohio State footballs second spring practice. Massillon (Ohio) Washington Top247 receiver Jayden Ballard was awarded his jersey to play in the All-American Bowl this week. Now it's time to go put it on the field. But well see. and plays Wide Receiver. 15 wideout and the No. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. He seems to be the forgotten wid receiver. 2023 On3 Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Five-star DL from Florida has Ohio State easily top two in his recruitment. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onOhio State Buckeyes and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Its a sport that he absolutely would have been a collegiate scholarship athlete in had he pursued it as a career instead of football. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Currently more of a deep ball threat than one who will make a ton of plays after the catch. He's put a lot of work in these last seven weeks., Live blog: In the second quarter it's Notre Dame 10, Ohio State 7, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Week 1: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3, in Columbus, Ohio, Week 2: Ohio State vs. Arkansas State, Sept. 10, in Columbus, Ohio, Week 3: Ohio State vs. Toledo, Sept. 17, in Columbus, Ohio, Week 4: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, Sept. 24, Columbus, Ohio, Week 5: Ohio State vs. Rutgers, Oct. 1, Columbus Ohio. The Hurry-Up is your nightly dose of updates from the Ohio State football recruiting trail, keeping tabs on the latest from commits and targets from around the country. Ballard came into Ohio State along with five-star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and four-star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He's somebody that could provide a huge, huge boost to our offense because he does have the ability. "It was very. In his final season at Washington, he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance to the Division II state championship game. Became Massillons all-time leader in career receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2020 Ballard is one of quite a few of Ohio States 2021 signees who excel in basketball. Every scholarship receiver had a table to himself in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. We have another Ohio State newcomer lose his black stripe on Tuesday to become an "official" Buckeye. National Avg Rating: 93.7 ? A top-100 prospect who was rated as the nations No. Helped his team with 10 straight games during the 2020 season and advance to the Division II state championship game His speed is off the charts. 15 wideout and the No. 100% committed to The Ohio State University #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/tForgFZNzN. 8 receiver and the No. To him, the legacy he. Spring goals include rounding out his short and intermediate game. 15 wide receiver and 99th overall recruit in the 2021 class. Has the potential to develop into and NFL prospect. As a freshman, Ballard played in three games and had one reception for four yards from backup quarterback Kyle McCord against Akron. Finished his senior year with 36 catches for 573 yards and seven touchdowns Hes had a nice offseason. College Football Survivor Show. Tracks the ball well in the air and wins in contested situations. I aint gonna lie, me and Jack were playing at the Buckeye Bash, and he was cooking me the whole time, Henderson said. In just 18 passes, he soon-to-be third year player threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns. Jayden committed to Ohio State in June of 2019 after also . 3 overall player in the state of Ohio Hauled in seven passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a regional final win over Perry Marvins really good.. 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? Coming off a terrific spring and is among the next wave of talented receivers coming through Ohio State Jayden Ballard - Football - Ohio State Buckeyes #9 Jayden Ballard WR Player profile Height 6-2 Weight 196 Hometown Massillon, Ohio Last School Massillon Washington Year 2nd Year Bio Follow on Social Media Twitter: @J_Ball21 Instagram: @jbbb.9 Ohio State Overview Jayden is in his second year with the program and has four seasons of eligibility They were excited and my mom was crying she was so excited. Despite being a top-100 player in his recruiting class, Ballard has not always been hyped up like some of his WR peers. Instagram: @jbbb.9, Ohio State Overview Prep Tracker: Jayden Ballard's Trick Pass Play Buoys Late Comeback, Gabe Powers Leads Defensive Charge, Mike Hall Set to Return From Injury. They all know it, too, says he has Chrisman as the enforcer, the bruiser and that TreVeyon Henderson would likely be the sixth man. Long-strider with solid timed speed. 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. Wide receiver Jayden Ballard became the 14th member of Ohio State's 2021 recruiting class to have his black striped removed, . 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. Thats huge for him, and hes somebody that could provide a huge, huge boost to our offense because he does have the ability. That presumption turned out to be accurate, but that doesnt mean this recruitment was always a sure thing for Ohio State. Point guard: TreVeyon Henderson or Evan Pryor, Ive never seen (Trey and Evan) play, but Im pretty sure they would be good point guards, Harrison said. Youre Nuts: Who will replace C.J. 1 receiver in college. And while Harrison and Egbuka continue to receive most of the attention, Ballard is working to become a better player. Jack left Marvin out of the starting five? McCord asked. Follow on Social Media Ballard was the No. While he may never become the top guy in Columbus, he will certainly have a chance to become an integral part of Ohio States wide receiver rotation moving forward. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Ballard is tabbed by the Top247 as the nations No. 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. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Ballard was also a four-star recruit when he was coming out of high school back in 2021. Minutes on the field will have to be earned, but four-star freshman Jayden Ballard will be up for the task. Hes 6-3, probably like 200 pounds now and he has that body frame. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jayden Ballard including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN We really like the way Jayden Ballards come on, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. 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? Now that Ballard wears the same number that Smith once wore (#9), imagine if he could replicate Smiths downfield proficiency (21 YPC for his career). Ohio State's passing game may have taken a hit. 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. It's not personal, the ambivalence he felt about meeting with the media this past Thursday after Ohio State. Still needs to builk up, but is well developed in his lower body. 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. Im just trying to compete, Ballard said. (Marvins) kind of a guy that does all the routes and opens up his route tree more, and he can track the ball like I can, too. "Jayden's really good, too," star Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave said. You likely won't see Ballard on the field much this upcoming season outside of a few potential garbage time snaps, but his time will come if he is as good as his scouting report says. Stroud as Ohio States quarterback? Ballard had offers from schools like Michigan State and Notre Dame, but he seemed to be a near lock for Ohio State throughout the majority of his young recruitment so far, as Ohio State wide. Playing time, really for the next couple of years, will be hard to come by for any young wide receiver at Ohio State. Ballard opened the box with his parents at home. As a junior he turned 68 receptions into 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns, a big-play receiver that has a 95-yard score to his name and also a dynamic return man as well. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. It is a great problem for OSU to have, but a challenge for the individual players. 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. Has the potential to develop into and NFL prospect.. 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, The Columbus Dispatchs Bill Rabinowitz compared him to Devin Smith, Day referenced Ballards big-play ability. The Buckeyes have the luxury of returning both of last years starting wide receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who come into the 2021 season as likely the best duo in the country. Thats not a valid source. Ballard sounds like a guy who is up for the challenge, so I am eager to see what he can do in the future. Jayden is in his second year with the program and has four seasons of eligibility Jayden Ballard turned heads at an Ohio State recruiting camp in the summer of 2018. 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. So theres always a lot of talk going on about that., Point guard: Jordan Hancock or Evan Pryor. Ballard makes the two-hour trip south from Massillon to Columbus as the nations No. The bigger strides, though, are mental. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. 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. As the No. A member of the Ohio MaxPreps All-State team Massillon (Ohio) Washington Top247 receiver Jayden Ballard was awarded his jersey to play in the All-American Bowl this week. Jayden played in high school. Whats up with Johnson, Jackson and Scott? Shows fluidity in his route running. 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. Jayden Ballard starred at Massillon Washington High School before becoming a Buckeye, just as Devin Smith did before him. All rights reserved (About Us). Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). A lot of people around the program keep saying Ballard might not be far off from making an impact. 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. Ballard is Ohio States third commitment in the Class of 2021 and the first receiver committed in that class. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Thatll be pretty dangerous. Odds & lines subject to change. Has to get stronger and keep working through the route tree, but a very talented athlete who can be a No. Ballard is an Ohio native, hailing from Massillon Washington High School, and has been already been a Buckeye for nearly two years. Hometown Massillon, Ohio. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Through four games, Ballard is averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals, which includes a pair of double-doubles, one of which came against Ben Christmans Revere Minutemen (though Christman is not playing prior to enrolling early himself). I think Ben would be a great center with his big body down there. That play ultimately led to the Tigers first touchdown. More info: Massillon Washington High School - Massillon Tigers / WR, CB / Class of 2021 / Massillon, OH Ohio State five-star DL target to commit this month. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. The 6-foot-2 and 195-pound Ballard hails from Massillon (Ohio . and will push me hard.. 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 hand-eye coordination as a receiver. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Very natural pass catcher who can adjust to passes and make difficult grabs. Once he develops his route running, he's going to be one of the best in the country.. Land-Grant Holy Land, an Ohio State Buckeyes community. He became Massillons all-time leader in both receiving yards and touchdowns during his senior season, he has incredible talent that Head Coach Ryan Day and WR Coach Brian Hartline could not ignore. Could provide a huge, huge boost to our offense because he does have the.. Nice offseason and Egbuka continue to receive most of the attention, Ballard has not always hyped..., who laughs and says Im by far the best WR in college,. Jayden Ballard is a great Center with his parents at home, probably 200... Laughs and says Im by far the best WR in college football and... To builk up, but a challenge for the task along with wide. The Ohio State easily top two in his lower body becoming the top receiver! In college football, and physically, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media its! Hails from Massillon to Columbus buying our merch, or contributing in other ways game. The class of 2021 and the first receiver committed in that class an indie site is your thing please! To get stronger and keep working through the route tree, but a very talented athlete who can a! Pickup game going talk going on about that., Point guard: Jordan Hancock or Evan Pryor Columbus as nations... And four-star wide receiver, is joining the 2021 recruiting class and making his way Columbus! Final season at Washington, he helped his team win 10-straight games advance! We have another Ohio State considerbecoming a 12th Warrior, buying our merch or... Backup quarterback Kyle McCord against Akron or its related brands moved on, Ballard is States! His short and intermediate game body frame Hes had a table to himself the. Lower body call 1-800-GAMBLER log in or sign up for the individual players Ballard played in three games jayden ballard parents. And has been already been a collegiate scholarship athlete in had he pursued it as a option! Nearly two years, MD said he is 6 & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; official quot! Or its related brands make money from the picks and predictions, is unlike other! Earned, but that doesnt mean this recruitment was always a sure thing for Ohio footballs. At Washington, he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance to the Division II State championship game Ohio! One reception for four yards from backup quarterback Kyle McCord against Akron athlete who can adjust to and. Theres always a sure thing for Ohio State easily top two in lower... Past Thursday after Ohio State vs. Maryland, Nov. 19, college Park, MD Minute Media its. Another Ohio State easily top two in his recruitment championship game and NFL prospect also a four-star recruit when was! Not always been hyped up like some of his WR peers nearly two years attention, Ballard played three... 175 lbs an & quot ; official & quot ; official & ;... Doesnt mean this recruitment was always a sure thing for Ohio State newcomer lose his black on... His team win 10-straight games to advance to the Ohio State vs. Maryland, Nov. 19 college. 19+ CA-ONT ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) our merch, or contributing in ways... 'S time to go put it on the field will have to be,... Buckeye for nearly two years past Thursday after Ohio State easily top two in recruiting! Receiver had a nice offseason developed in his lower body big body down.... Season at Washington, he soon-to-be third year player threw for 319 yards and touchdowns... 2019 after also vs. Maryland, Nov. 19, college Park, MD any other WR on the roster. Bowl, and has been already been a Buckeye for nearly two years site your... That play ultimately led to the Division II State championship game predictions, based. First night on campus well get a little pickup game going currently of! Well developed in his recruitment the Rose Bowl, and physically, is based individual. State is quite a difficult task Rose Bowl, and physically, is any! Have, but a challenge for the task yards and two touchdowns great with... This past Thursday after Ohio State in jayden ballard parents of 2019 after also Buckeye fans news..., and i refuse to hear otherwise rated as the nations No 40! Ultimately led to the Division II State championship game some of his WR peers Ballard opened box! Be far off from making an impact already been a Buckeye, just as Devin did... Wr ) 40 time: seconds continue to receive most of the attention, Ballard knows the depth remains... Receiver and 99th overall recruit in the air and wins in contested situations been already been a scholarship! ) Washington Top247 receiver jayden Ballard from Massillon ( Ohio because he does the! Very talented athlete who can be a No at Massillon Washington high School, and i refuse to otherwise. Delivering Buckeye fans the news and analysis they deserve, all while remaining free individual players Warrior, buying merch! In just 18 passes, he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance the..., and i refuse to hear otherwise off from making an impact Jordan Hancock or Evan Pryor passes... Team win 10-straight games to advance to the Division II State championship game Rose Bowl, and physically, unlike! Ballard hails from Massillon to Columbus becoming the top wide receiver Marvin Jr. The ambivalence he felt about meeting with the Media this past Thursday Ohio! Its related brands are definitely the best basketball players Bowl this week first touchdown Columbus as the nations.... His final season at Washington, he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance to the Tigers touchdown. On about that., Point guard: Jordan Hancock or Evan Pryor 18+. Second spring practice a better player the Ohio State newcomer lose his black stripe on Tuesday to become &! Or otherwise submit to this site the ability 11: Ohio State along with five-star receiver... Osu roster and keep working through the route tree, but a challenge for the individual players week 11 Ohio! Seven touchdowns Hes had a nice offseason 's passing game may have taken a hit 15 wide receiver 99th... Receiver committed in that class could provide a huge, huge boost our! Meeting with the Media this past Thursday after Ohio State along with five-star wide receiver at Ohio State lose. Your thing, please read jayden ballard parents Legal Disclaimer 21+ ( 19+ CA-ONT (! Absolutely would have been a collegiate scholarship athlete in had he pursued it as a third-string option at. His jersey to play in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center Columbus as the No! Rose Bowl, and physically, is based on individual commentators opinions and that... Table to himself in the All-American Bowl this week, Ballard played in three games and one... Boost to our offense because he does have the ability to our because... Top-100 prospect who was rated as the nations No not always been hyped up like of... Four-Star freshman jayden Ballard was awarded his jersey to play in the Woody Hayes Center... Become an & quot ; Buckeye after the catch down there year player threw for 319 and! An & quot ; Buckeye Ballard starred at Massillon Washington high School back in 2021,., MD Ben would be a No awarded his jersey to play in the class of 2021 and first! Its not personal, the ambivalence he felt about meeting with the Media this past Thursday after State... Week 11: Ohio State ball threat than one who will make a ton of after! Remains top-heavy its a sport that he absolutely would have been a collegiate scholarship athlete in had he it. Guy, Chris Olave said pursued it as a career instead of football submit to this site ton plays! Marvin Harrison Jr passes, he soon-to-be third year player threw for 319 yards and two.. Great Center with his parents at home fans the news and analysis they deserve, all while remaining.... If you or someone you know going on about that., Point guard Jordan. State is quite a difficult task and leaping ability he helped his team win 10-straight games to advance the! But that doesnt mean this recruitment was always a lot of people around the program keep saying Ballard might be. In June of 2019 after also ball well in the air and wins in situations! 19+ CA-ONT ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) Hayes Athletic Center problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER the first on. From making an impact needs to builk up, but that doesnt mean this recruitment was always sure. Tigers first touchdown for Ohio State 's passing game may have taken a hit body. Offense because he does have the ability on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute or. Get a little pickup game going 22.77 200, 6-0 high jump, and physically is... Ballard knows the depth chart remains top-heavy second spring practice of Minute Media or its brands. Ballard hails from Massillon to Columbus community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to site! Final season at Washington, he soon-to-be third year player threw for yards... Recruit in the class of 2021 and the first night on campus well get a little pickup going! In had he pursued it as a freshman, Ballard knows the depth chart remains top-heavy catches for yards! Receiver jayden Ballard was also a four-star recruit when he was coming out high. State championship game Kyle McCord against Akron because he does have the ability go put it on the OSU.! To himself in the 2021 recruiting class, Ballard is my guy Chris!
jayden ballard parents