Pursuing Perez: A Look at Ohio State's Defensive Line Prospect
Ohio State's pursuit of top talent continues, and all eyes are on Reinaldo Perez, a standout defensive end from Columbus Academy. Last June, after an impressive summer camp, Ohio State's defensive line coach Larry Johnson extended an offer to Perez, signaling strong interest from the Buckeyes.
While many thought Ohio State had the inside track, recent updates suggest otherwise. Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and national champion Indiana are all making strong pushes to sign this promising prospect.
Perez is no ordinary recruit. Ranked as the nation's No. 239 prospect overall, No. 31 defensive lineman, and No. 10 in Ohio for 2027, he's attracting nearly 25 offers from schools across the country.
Standing at 6-5 and weighing in at 265 pounds, Perez is a force on the field. Primarily playing as an end for Academy, there's potential for him to add weight and transition to a tackle spot by the time he hits the college scene.
His stats speak volumes: over 80 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks last season. Not to mention, he graded over 90 percent on the offensive line, proving his versatility and skill. It's no surprise he earned a spot on the All-Ohio first team in Division V.
The consensus among recruiting insiders is that if Ohio State makes a concerted effort, they could secure Perez's commitment. However, with Larry Johnson evaluating a range of top defensive line prospects, including the No. 1 overall prospect DJ Jacobs, the competition is fierce. Perez's upcoming visits this spring will be crucial in determining his future.
With signing day still months away in December, the recruitment of Reinaldo Perez is just heating up. For those wanting a closer look at what Perez brings to the table, Mark Porter's Buck-Eye In The Sky film evaluation offers an in-depth analysis of this young talent. Keep an eye on this space as the story unfolds.