We have been diving into some of the more highly touted recruits in Ohio State history. We recently discussed the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, guards, center, defensive ends and defensive tackles. We wanted to look into the history of recruiting inside linebackers.
Some exciting names are on this list. Even though 247Sports‘ recruiting rankings only go back to 2000, there are some memorable names. It is always fun to reflect on how some of these guys performed and whether they lived up to expectations.
This list only confirms the insane wealth of talent Ohio State has had at the inside linebacker position. Some of the guys that just missed the cut are current standout Cody Simon, injury-riddled Trey Johnson and Mark Johnson, who transferred after struggling to see the field.
5
Marcus Freeman, Class of 2004
247Sports Composite Rating .9741
Marcus Freeman was a High School All-American and lived up to the hype, starting 37 games during his Ohio State career and earning All-Big Ten honors twice before being drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft.
Marcus Freeman as a Head Coach pic.twitter.com/9eA3rZ5rQg
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) September 10, 2022
4
Teradja Mitchell, Class of 2018
247Sports Composite Rating .9771
Teradja Mitchell is another former four-star recruit but in his five seasons at Ohio State, he started only eight games in 2021. He transferred to Florida for the 2023 season.
Florida’s new LB Teradja Mitchell, speed and size: pic.twitter.com/3Zb8GzPd0L
— Jaws (@Jaws960608) January 3, 2023
3
Raekwon McMillan, Class of 2014
247Sports Composite Rating .9896
Raekwon McMillan is the first five-star recruit on this list and is actually one of the better linebackers in Ohio State history. McMillan played immediately once he arrived on campus and earned All-Big Ten honors in 2016 before declaring early and being drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Only Raekwon McMillan more days until Ohio State Football‼️ #GoBuckspic.twitter.com/C46BjtCpLY
— 🌰🏈🏆 4 DH7 (@Buckeye_Zone6) August 29, 2022
2
Curtis Grant, Class of 2011
247Sports Composite Rating .9901
Curtis Grant is another five-star recruit who was the No. 1 linebacker in the class and who saw action immediately as a true freshman. He started 30 games throughout his career but he didn’t develop into the star most expected.
Curtis Grant – out of nowhere! #Titans pic.twitter.com/j5bUPEB2LN
— Mickey Ryan (@MickeyRyan1045) August 22, 2016
1
Mike D'Andrea, Class of 2002
Big happy birthday shout out to our leader and great friend, Mike D’Andrea!!! 🙏🏻🥳 pic.twitter.com/mzUqgC9BXg
— T3 Performance (@T3Performance1) February 7, 2023
247Sports Composite Rating .9926
Mike D’Andrea was one of the top recruits in the country and the gem of the 2002 class, but injuries derailed his college career. He arrived in the same class as Bobby Carpenter and A.J. Hawk and was overshadowed.
🎉 Happy Birthday 🎉 to former #ShoremenFootball⚓ & @OhioStateFB player Mike D'Andrea ‼️ pic.twitter.com/cGDC0waDMO
— Avon Lake Football ⚓ (@ALFootballClub) February 7, 2021
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