Ballard is an Ohio native, hailing from Massillon Washington High School, and has been already been a Buckeye for nearly two years. But if it were up to the redshirt freshman from Massillon, he would have been grabbing lunch or shooting hoops and letting someone else handle the interviews. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound prospect racked up most of that yardage on a long reception toward the end of the first quarter, breaking free behind the defense and corralling a pass inside the 10-yard line. Ballard took inspiration from his classmates performance. 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. The wide receiver room within the Ohio State football program is overflowing with talent. He enrolled in classes in Jan. 2021 and went through spring drills 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.. 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). 1 receiver in college.. Ballard is one of 12 Buckeyes invited to play in the game alongside five-star defensive end Jack Sawyer, the nations No. Youre Nuts: Who will replace C.J. In-state recruiting has always been a huge point of emphasis for Ohio State, and that has not changed under Ryan Day. 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. Like Olave before him, he knows a special teams impact can quickly turn into something bigger. As an independent site, we're committed to delivering Buckeye fans the news and analysis they deserve, all while remaining free. he also led the Tigers to three-straight Division 2 state title games. 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. I mean, come on, everyone growing up wants to be the baller dunking and hitting threes and whatnot, Sawyer said. The Buckeyes soon learn if a 2024 five-star defensive line target will be joining the program, and a quick update on tight end recruiting. 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 records for the legendary Massillon Tigers. 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. 2021 wide receiver Jayden Ballard has committed to Ohio State. 99 overall player in 2021. Ballard is an Ohio native, hailing from Massillon Washington High School, and has been already been a Buckeye for nearly two years. 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. 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. Once we get up there and get to play, the truth will come out. Status Signed Ohio State 06/21/2019. Still needs to builk up, but is well developed in his lower body. Same-Sex Marriage By: Jayden Ballard Kids grown up with Homosexual parents have no disadvantages whatsoever. Very natural pass catcher who can adjust to passes and make difficult grabs. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Became Massillons all-time leader in career receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2020 Tracks the ball well in the air and wins in contested situations. Ballard fielded multiple questions about comparisons to former Massillon and Buckeye receiver Devin Smith. While Olave and Wilson moved on, Ballard knows the depth chart remains top-heavy. I think if Marvin wouldve kept playing basketball he wouldve been really good. 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. That being the case, now is a great time to introduce you to Ohio States incredibly talented freshman class. 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. 15 wideout and the No. 15 wideout and the No. He could probably play for the Ohio State basketball team if he wanted to. He is a 4-star recruit according. Jayden Ballard Ohio State Buckeyes #9 WR Class Sophomore HT/WT 6' 2", 196 lbs Birthplace Massillon, OH Status Active 2022 season stats REC 8 YDS 155 TD 1 AVG 19.4 Every scholarship receiver had a table to himself in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Long-strider with solid timed speed. Jayden is in his second year with the program and has four seasons of eligibility Jayden Ballards my guy and I cant wait to see him take off, former Ohio State receiver Chris Olave said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. I think I fit in well, just have to work hard and be the best I can be at my position.. Hometown Massillon, Ohio. That group was a major priority for receivers coach Brian Hartline during the busy spring weekend and it was that trip that solidified what has become a solid relationship between Ballard and Hartline. If I do make a mistake, I get better from there.. 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. 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. 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 can't wait to see him take off. Jayden Ballard from Massillon, OH, a 4-star wide receiver, is joining the 2021 recruiting class and making his way to Columbus. As a freshman, Ballard played in three games and had one reception for four yards from backup quarterback Kyle McCord against Akron. Stroud as Ohio States quarterback? 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". If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Prep Tracker: Jayden Ballard's Trick Pass Play Buoys Late Comeback, Gabe Powers Leads Defensive Charge, Mike Hall Set to Return From Injury. You can get a small glimpse of everything Ballard brings to the table in his junior highlight film: As previously mentioned, Ballard gives Ohio State each of the top four in-state players in the 2021 cycle, with only Jack Sawyer, Mike Hall and Reid Carrico ranking ahead of him. Everyone wants to be a baller. 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. In his one start against Akron, McCord did very well. Unfortunately for Ballard, despite his clear talent, it will be incredibly tough for him to ever become a No. Massillon led just 7-3 at halftime, but opened up the contest throughout the second half despite a relatively quiet evening (statistically, at least) from the future Buckeye wide receiver. Jayden Ballard is my guy, Chris Olave said. And while Harrison and Egbuka continue to receive most of the attention, Ballard is working to become a better player. It is a great problem for OSU to have, but a challenge for the individual players. That play ultimately led to the Tigers first touchdown. 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. I think Ben would be a great center with his big body down there. 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 ? The bigger strides, though, are mental. Height: 6-2 (69%*) Weight: 196 (36%*) All Ohio State Draft prospects. 1 receiver in college. Had career totals of 141 receptions, 2,636 yards and 37 touchdowns Sawyer, who laughs and says Im by far the best basketball player. He is an OSU Scholar-Athlete who is majoring in sport coaching, rec and physical education Coach (Ryan) Day and Coach (Brian) Hartline and the environment and how the fans support you. Odds & lines subject to change. While he still faces plenty of competition on Ohio State's receiver. Thats not a valid source. Currently more of a deep ball threat than one who will make a ton of plays after the catch. His speed is off the charts. Stroud as Ohio States quarterback? and plays Wide Receiver. By 11W Staff on September 27, 2020 at 8:05 am @11w. Ballard has the potential to come from further back in the pack, and develop into a real contributor for this OSU offense. 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. He eventually joined Brian Hartlines WR room, which already included the likes of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Julian Fleming in addition to his high-profile classmates. (Birm/Lettermen Row). 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. Ballard is a blazer with size and leaping ability. As a junior, caught 68 passes for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 80.1 yards per game Can get down the field and take the top off a defense. Now, as a senior, Ballard is trying to leave as much of an imprint on Massillon's basketball program as possible in the nine games he will play before leaving for Columbus. 2023 Ohio State University. Im used to getting pushed so that helps. 2021: OSU Scholar-Athlete, More on Jayden Ballard was also a four-star recruit when he was coming out of high school back in 2021. As a top-100 national prospect, Ballard only collected around seven scholarship offers during the recruiting process due to his early commitment to Ohio State. Hes a great receiver as well. In that opener, Ballard poured in a team-high 16 points while adding eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in a 78-73 loss. Twitter: @J_Ball21 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. That receiver is Jayden Ballard. School Washington High School. Eleven Warriors is where Ohio State fans gather. 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. We really like the way Jayden Ballards come on, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. Hes had a nice offseason. Over 20,000 fans attend annually with a more TV viewers then any other all-star game combined. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio Jayden Ballard would just as soon not talk for himself, thanks. and will push me hard.. He could be a great complement to JSN, Harrison Jr., and others. So now its time to go put it on the field.. Ballard also stepped back to return punts and was aggressive with defensive backs on running plays. Redshirt freshman receiver Jayden Ballard was the first one to replace Smith-Njigba along with Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. Live updates: Live blog: In the second quarter it's Notre Dame 10, Ohio State 7. COLUMBUS, Ohio Jayden Ballard would just as soon not talk for himself, thanks. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. In just 18 passes, he soon-to-be third year player threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns. As a result, really talented players like Jayden Ballard may fall off some peoples radar. BuckeyesNow visited Ohio State 2021 commit and SI All-American candidate Jayden Ballard Friday night, as his Massillon Washington team pulled away for a 28-10 victory over Benedictine High School . OSU was the first school to offer Ballard, and he has been 100% committed ever since. He also said that his immediate goal is to contribute on special teams, further indicating that the young wide receiver is willing to pay his dues. 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? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The All-American Bowl has been the nations premier high school sporting event over the last two decades, with the likes of Ezekiel Elliott, Trevor Lawrence, Adrian Peterson and Derrick Henry having suited up. Im looking forward to just having fun, Ballard said of the upcoming experience. Ballard makes the two-hour trip south from Massillon to Columbus as the nations No. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Still needs to builk up, but is well developed in his lower body. Jayden Ballard turned heads at an Ohio State recruiting camp in the summer of 2018. 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. 15 wide receiver and 99th overall recruit in the 2021 class. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Ballard is one of quite a few of Ohio States 2021 signees who excel in basketball. 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. Jayden Ballard Mick Walker It's still a little hard to comprehend just how good Brian Hartline has been during his time at Ohio State. 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). His name is being mentioned by the likes of Chris Olave and Ryan Day, a few guys you might be familiar with. Jayden Ballard. Played in three games as a true freshman and made one reception, a four-yarder from Kyle McCord against Akron, Honors & Awards Im not afraid to make a mistake. 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? Has the potential to develop into and NFL prospect. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson have become household names, while younger receivers hope to have the same fate. Has to get stronger and keep working through the route tree, but a very talented athlete who can be a No. Gets off the ground quickly and attacks passes at their highest point. When you look at the receiver room, the biggest growth from last year to this year is definitely Jayden Ballard, Harrison said. 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. A top-100 prospect who was rated as the nations No. 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. 8 receiver in the country out of Massillon Washington High School, catching 25 touchdown passes over his final two high school seasons. Ballard says hes set to enroll early in Columbus. 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. 6. Position Wide Receiver. 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. The responses of who would start and at which position: Power forward: Kyle McCord or Reid Carrico. 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. Especially when you play in such a talent-rich region, hauling in the local guys is of large importance. 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. Jayden was rated as the number eight wide receiver in the country, and the number three overall player in the Buckeye State. 2021 wide receiver Jayden Ballard has committed to Ohio State. Well see.. Jayden Ballard came to OSU as a four-star prospect out of Massillon, Ohio. Led the Tigers to three consecutive Division II state title games Ballard opened the box with his parents at home. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming will see their fair share of playing time, Ballard will likely compete more directly with guys like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, this season at least. Teens with two mothers less likely to drink alcohol Same-Sex parents are most likely to have adoption as their first choice Homosexual parents do not alter the child's Ohio States wide receiver room is absolutely loaded from top to bottom. Harrison Jr. showed out in the Rose Bowl, and physically, is unlike any other WR on the OSU roster. Tracks the ball well in the air and wins in contested situations. Hes knocking on the door starting to show flashes.. Jayden Ballard, Ohio State, Wide Receiver Jayden Ballard NCAA Pos WR Height 6-2 Weight 175 Evaluation Timeline Prospect Info High School Washington City Massillon, OH Exp 2021 - . Currently more of a deep ball threat than one who will make a ton of plays after the catch. Has good height. But there was still work to be done and Ballard didnt rest on his laurels. But as Buckeye fans, we should just be excited about his development and potential, along with the rest of the wide receivers. 1 receiver in college. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Ballard went through his recruitment quietly, and he went through spring camp quietly. Finished his senior year with 36 catches for 573 yards and seven touchdowns On3 is a registered trademark of On3 Media, Inc. Week 12: Ohio State vs. Michigan, at noon Nov. 26, Columbus, Ohio. Its played inside the Alamo Dome every January in San Antonio, Texas with NBC bringing the national broadcast. 4-star wide receiver Jayden Ballard joins the Buckeyes from Massillon. Coming off a terrific spring and is among the next wave of talented receivers coming through Ohio State Not to sound like a broken record, but the amount of talent - and character - that Hartline and Day have amassed, is staggering. See, Ballard is fine with making noise, especially if it prompts someone else to do the talking.