Ohio State football recruiting: What to expect from DL commit Eric Mensah

Ohio State Football got a surprise commit on Friday morning, when 2024 Virginia defensive lineman Eric Mensah flipped his Virginia Tech verbal to the Buckeyes.

The interest between the two sides wasn’t very well known, as the former Hokie commit looked like he was content staying home and playing in front of his family.

That’s the power of an Ohio State offer, it can make a recruit rethink about their decision, which is exactly the case with Mensah.

Find out below what kind of skill set he brings with him when he will arrive in Columbus with the rest of the 2024 class after reviewing his junior film and a few short clips of his senior campaign.

Position

Scout’s view

Although Mensah is listed as a defensive end, in my eyes he’s a defensive tackle all the way. He doesn’t have the requisite speed off the edge to make that kind of impact, but his frame at 6-foot, 3-inches and 290-pounds, screams DT. Mensah will be able to move around the inside, either at nose, 1 or 3 technique as well.

Run stopper

Scout’s view

Since Mensah will most likely be playing inside, there are certain qualities that a defensive tackle needs to possess to be impactful, and one of them is being able to stop the run. He’s not the quickest off the ball, but he’s got heavy hands with the ability to shed offensive lineman and make a play.

Occupying linemen

Scout’s view

Another aspect of a defensive tackle’s responsibilities is holding up linemen so teammates behind them can make plays. Mensah, with his big frame and heavy hands, excels in this area, being able clear up space for linebackers or safety’s to make plays. In a Jim Knowles defense, this is an important quality for a tackle.

Frame

Scout’s view

The old adage of being unable to teach a frame applies here with Mensah. The young man is massive, and while defensive line coach Larry Johnson can teach him better technique, you can’t teach the frame he possesses. Plenty to work with here.

Overview

Scout’s view

It’s highly unlikely that Mensah plays for the Buckeyes right away, most likely taking a few years for him to see the field. His body will get right, the techniques taught learned and the need to understand the defense. There is nothing wrong with taking a player like Mensah, not all prospects are instant impact players, but it does seem like he could eventually play a role for Ohio State.

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire