Ohio State Commits Begin 2020 Fall Season

Each Saturday morning, we'll be recapping how selected Ohio State football commits performed in their Friday contests, sharing those who delivered notable performances and also providing additional content from games that BuckeyesNow attends!

This opening week focuses on in-state commits. Here's how some of the future Buckeyes performed in season openers:

2021 Commits:

Wide Receiver Jayden Ballard (Massillon, Ohio) and WashingtonHigh School fell to Lakewood St. Edward in a 24-23 thriller Friday night. Individually, Ballard had an impressive season debut by catching two touchdowns from 36 and 31 yards out. Below are Ballard's scores.

The Sarchione Ford Of Randolph Radio Game of the Week on News-Talk 1480 WHBC

2nd quarter
@MassTigers2020 17@SEHS_FOOTBALL 7

Zach Catrone 31 yrd TD pass to Jayden Ballard@MassillonProud @MassillonSchool @Massillon_Tiger @MTigerAthletics @SteveHelwagen pic.twitter.com/2ZFNBYt0Tp
— News-Talk 1480 WHBC (@1480whbc) August 29, 2020

The @SarchioneFord Radio Game of the Week

1sr quarter
@MassTigers2020 10@SEHS_FOOTBALL 7

Zach Catrone 36yrd TD pass to Jayden Ballard@MassillonProud (5,009)@MassillonSchool (3,164) @Massillon_Tiger (2,502)@MTigerAthletics (1,800)@SteveHelwagen pic.twitter.com/s6E8MKsL2u
— Kenny "The Roadman" Roda🎙🎧📻🏈⚾️🏀🏒⚽️ (@TheKennyRoda) August 29, 2020

Future inside linebacker Reid Carrico (Ironton, Ohio) had a monster night on offense for his squad, scoring three touchdowns in the opening 24 minutes against rival Portsmouth. He finished with 10 carries and 95 yards as Ironton won big, 50-9.

Ironton pouring it on now
Reid Carrico finds the end zone for a third time this time from 5 yds out
Ironton 43 Portsmouth 3. 7:21 2nd
— Matthew Sparks (@SparksWillFly35) August 29, 2020

Defensive tackle Mike Hall and Streestboro High School absolutely routed Coventry (Akron) by a final tally of 63-13. Streetsboro led 49-0 at halftime.

Future safety/outside backer Jaylen Johnson and Cincinnati La Salle emerged in double overtime over nearby Cincinnati Elder in a week one shootout, 53-52. Elder went for the win by attempting a two-point conversion (unsuccessful) at the very end.

2022 Commits:

Linebacker Gabe Powers (Marysville) fought through second-half adversity to pace his team in a 17-0 victory over Hilliard Bradley. After cramping up in the third quarter, Powers returned to continue playing on both side of the ball. He contributed at running back and then also matched up with Wisconsin tight end commit Jack Pugh on defense.

Gabe Powers (36) with the lead block. Marysville scored a touchdown on the next play to take a 17-0 fourth quarter lead. pic.twitter.com/GQB9k35E3w
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 29, 2020

All-around athlete C.J. Hicks (Dayton) and Kettering Archbishop Alter dropped a heavyweight battle, 42-32, against Clinton-Massie. Alter scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to nearly erase a huge deficit, which included a 74-yard punt return TD by Hicks, before ultimately coming up short.

Offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola and cornerback Jyaire Brown helped Lakota West (West Chester) secure a 10-0 shutout on Cincinnati Colerain. The game was scoreless until Lakota West nailed a field goal in the beginning of the fourth quarter, then followed with a game-clinching touchdown in the closing minutes.

Continued updates on these future Buckeyes, and others from prep schools outside of Ohio, will roll through once various states launch seasons during the ongoing logistics of COVID-19.

Check back with us every Saturday, and always stay tuned to BuckeyesNow and all of our social media outlets (@BuckeyesNowSI) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for continued coverage!