Ohio State makes the cut for possible packaged pair of five-star recruits

Jim Knowles and the Ohio State defense received good news recently. A pair of five-star recruits have put the Buckeyes on their shortlist of destinations. While there are no guarantees, most believe Qua Russaw and James Smith are a package deal and will land at the same school.

Both young men are from Alabama and attend Carver High School, which might mean a tough sell to get them to come north. As a matter of fact, Ohio State was the only school north of the Mason-Dixon line to make the cut. Other schools to make the list were Alabama, Alabama State, Auburn, Florida and Georgia.

Russaw is the No. 3 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 26 overall player according to 247Sports composite. In his junior year at Carver, Russaw tallied 130 tackles and 16 sacks. He is a versatile player who could line up in multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball.

Smith is the No. 2 defensive tackle and the No. 13 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports composite. Smith spent his junior season at IMG Academy in Florida but decided to come home for his senior year. The last five-star defensive tackle to land in Columbus was Taron Vincent in 2018.

Neither Russaw nor Smith have been to campus. But that could change with a visit this fall. And what better way to show recruits what you have to offer than a Saturday afternoon in the ‘Shoe?

Who knows how this plays out, but getting this dynamic defensive duo would be a huge win for Knowles and the Buckeyes.

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Ohio State football 2023 recruiting commitment tracker

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire