Ohio State Commit ‘20 Lathan Ransom (S) Highlights and Evaluation
A top-ranked prospect of the 2020 class, and one the most sought after safeties in the nation, Ransom chose OSU over Notre Dame, LSU, and Texas to showcase his football talent over the next few years. He joins a Buckeye secondary loaded with top-tier, best in the national high school talent. Almost seems like an easy sell for OSU recruiters when you look at the NFL pipeline from Columbus, Ohio.
Lathan Ransom is a gifted football player; Well-versed in all aspects of the game. His physical traits are impressive but football IQ is what will separate him from his competition at the next level. He can block, catch, pursue, stack and shed, break tackles, and run by you. If you ask him about any position-specific technique, he’s probably familiar with it. His film backs this claim.
Strengths
Tackling- An excellent block shedder and a punishing tackler, Ransom looks sound in both his approach and execution of filling running lanes when ball carriers make it up to the second level. He consistently attacks blockers with an aggressive pad pop, then uses his hands to separate and propel him to the ball carrier. He also is an impressive sideline tackler, understanding how to use the sideline as an additional defender.
Playmaking - Knows exactly what to do whenever the ball is in his hands, and he never looks surprised when he makes an interception. His full highlight tape has so many interceptions, It’s almost as if both teams QB’s are trying to get him the ball.
Versatility - Ransom’s big enough to be a force near the LOS. I like him at nickel too, he's a quick screen menace. Also has the speed and vision to play deep and be a ballhawk.
Special Teams - A gifted returner, at the very least Ransom should see the field as a true freshman on special teams. He’s a willing blocker as well.
Measurables
Forty - 4.67
Shuttle - 4.25
Vert - 33.2
The Ohio "State" of Recruiting (class of 2020)
So far OSU is looking solid on all levels (especially in the secondary), where Ransom is actually their 2nd 4-star commit for their 2020 class. Honestly, did we expect anything less from a program that has consistently produced 1st-Round NFL Draft talents like Denzel Ward and Malik Hooker?
Check out his future partner in crime Clark Phillips III, as well as his offensive counterparts Julian Fleming, Luke Wypler, and Paris Johnson Jr..
