Legacy prospect set to visit
The class of 2021 in Ohio has several prospects in emerging as high level Power Five recruits and Pickerington Central wide receiver/defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. would fall into that category. Styles Jr. has scooped up early offers from Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and Boston College and is hearing from several Big Ten programs.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound prospect was a freshman contributor on Central's state championship team a year ago but has taken on a big role on both offense and defense this fall for the defending state champs. A 6-0 start has the Tigers right back in the mix this year.
"Each week coach gives us an assignment," said Styles Jr. "Each week we've been executing that, every single player, and that's how we got to where we're at."
Styles is still developing physically but has made significant strides in adding strength and filling out his frame. But the biggest leap may have been mentally. He is now a go-to receiver on offense and a starting cornerback on defense, his first year really playing the position.
"Last year we had great leaders and now it's my turn," he explained. "Last year I had a lot of time to learn and my IQ for the game just really increased. Physically as well, I'm starting to get bigger and it's helping my game out a lot."
Styles Jr. is of course the son of former Ohio State linebacker Lorenzo Styles. He'll visit Ohio State on Saturday which will be his first game visit as a Buckeye recruit, it will be his second college visit of the season.
"I went to the Notre Dame/Michigan game and this weekend I'm planning to go to the Ohio State game against Indiana," he explained. "Coach (Tim) Hinton also invited me for the game against The Team Up North."
Notre Dame has made a good early impression on the sophomore speedster. He was offered on a summer visit for camp and then got to watch the Fighting Irish's big win over Michigan.
"Season opener, two great programs, the atmosphere was really amazing," he said. "Hopefully I can get up there for another game."
Things have started to pick up recently between Styles and the Ohio State staff.
"I've been talking to a lot of schools, just trying to develop better relationships with them but me and Ohio State have been talking about every week, maybe every other week," he continued. "Hopefully this upcoming visit will be very exciting. I usually talk to coach Hinton but I talk to a lot of the coaching staff. I talk to coach Hartline, coach Grinch, coach Meyer."
When the time comes, Styles Jr. is going to make his own decision about his future. Being recruited by the Buckeyes is still something he won't take for granted.
"It's a great football program," he said. "I'm just really happy that they are noticing my talents and that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing on the football field. It feels great."