OSU Recruiting: Dax Hill Headlines 2019 Wish List on Defense

The 2018 class on defense, save for a defensive tackle or maybe a linebacker, is in the bag.

So as we did earlier this week on offense, let’s identify the names OSU is targeting on defense for 2019 beginning with the biggest name of all: Five-star freak Dax Hill.

Dax Hill | Safety | 6-1, 190 pounds

The five-star athlete out of Booker T. Washington has long been on OSU’s radar. And considering he’s the younger brother of All-American tailback Justice Hill, OSU might have the advantage here.

Projected to play safety at the next level, Hill has nearly 20 offers and counting from the likes of Ohio State, Michigan and others, and will essentially be able to call his shot on where he goes to college. LSU, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State are among the schools I continue to hear have caught his attention, but OSU’s absolutely in the thick of things. He would be the highest rated defensive player to ever commit to OSU.

Marcus Hicks | DE | 6-5, 235 pounds

Hicks is an equally big target for OSU. The four-star pass-rushing talent out of Wichita, Kansas has made numerous visits to Stillwater, and Joe Bob Clements has been on him for more than two years.

However with OU, Ohio State, Iowa, Oregon and others also in the mix, coaxing him to become a Cowboy will be difficult. But don’t expect OSU to let up in its pursuit of the top-300 nationally ranked recruit, and don’t discount Clements’ ability to reel in top-end talent, either.

DeMarvin Leal | DT | 6-4, 280 pounds

Even if OSU lands a defensive tackle ahead of the February signing day, which I fully expect will be the case, the position still needs a complete overhaul for 2019. I expect the 2019 DT class will look similar to the 2018 OL class, which means that four-star DeMarvin Leal is an enticing option.

The top-150 talent has a baker’s dozen offers but with OSU likely needing a four-year player who can contribute right away for 2019, Leal might find OSU to be a nice landing spot, despite Texas A&M, Clemson and Alabama banging down his door.

Narrator: OSU is probably a long shot, and the firing of Glenn Spencer probably makes it even longer. But nevertheless, Joe Bob’s still on staff and that gives OSU a puncher’s chance. 

Tamauzia Brown | CB | 6-1, 175 pounds

A cornerback/receiver hybrid, Brown is the type of game-changing talent that could be plug-and-play at the next level. And yet right now, only OSU, Baylor, Southern Miss and Arkansas State are in on him.

That will change quickly, and when it does, I get the sense he’ll take the big dogs more seriously.

Sione Vaki | Safety | 6-0, 190 pounds

Vaki picked up an offer this weekend from the Pokes and pledged he’d be back soon. A three-star prospect from Cali, he’s mainly played both ways but OSU likes him at safety.

So if Dax Hill falls through (or even if Hill commits), Vaki could be a nice option to pit alongside him. He’s a rangy athlete with impressive ball-hawking skills. And surprisingly, OSU is just his second offer.

Jayden Jernigan | DT |6-1, 270 pounds

As I mentioned previously, defensive tackle will be a priority in 2019. And big man Jayden Jernigan would certainly fit the bill as a run-stuffer who could potentially play early at OSU. Texas Tech, Washington and others are in the thick of things now, but OSU has a legit shot here.

Gerald Irons III | DT | 6-0, 275 pounds

Klein Oak’s Gerald Irons picked up his first offer from OSU some time ago, and I think the fact that OSU believed in him early is reason to believe that the Pokes are a contender. He’s made a number of visits to campus and OSU’s strong interest is reciprocated.

Isreal Isuman-Hundley | DE | 6-5, 230 pounds

OSU and Baylor are the only schools to offer Isreal Isuman-Hundley, a raw pass-rusher from Liberty Christian who has the physical tools to become a star. I would place a nice wager that Texas A&M and other regional schools join the club with a scholarship offer soon. I have no sense on where he winds up, but the schools who offered early I feel will have a leg up.

Jonathan Perkins | LB | 6-0, 185 pounds

One of the top outside backers in the 2019 class, Jonathan Perkins is a California native trending in the direction of .. Oklahoma. He’s got 13 offers and the Sooners were early to get in on him. The former UCLA pledge might reconsider his options if USC makes him an offer, though. Overall, wouldn’t be surprised to see him stay close to home.

Collin Clay | DE | 6-5, 229 pounds

Collin Clay is an up-and-comer in the Sooner State who I think will blow up on the recruiting trail soon. He’s got offers from OSU, Arkansas, Iowa State and others, and it’s probably only a matter of time before OU pulls the trigger on him.