Another Styles is headed to Ohio State. Just over 20 years after his father, Lorenzo Sr., suited up as a linebacker for the Buckeyes, eventually developing into a third-round selection in the 1995 NFL Draft, 2023 five-star athlete Sonny Styles (6-4, 215) of Pickerington (Ohio) will be following his father to Columbus, as he announced Nov. 16 that he is pledging his commitment to Ohio State.
Styles is the third commitment in Ohio State’s 2023 class and the second from within the Buckeye state within the past fortnight, joining Dayton Wayne four-star offensive guard Joshia Padilla. Tennessee tight end Ty Lockwood was the first member of the group, which now ranks ninth in the nation despite its small number of pledges.
The Pickerington product is considered one of the best that the state has produced in quite some time. He’s ranked as the No. 8 player overall and the No. 1 safety, where he projects to play at the next level. Thanks to his 6-4 frame and athletic ability, Ohio State plans to move him all over the field, however, using him in a role similar to that of Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
It was Notre Dame’s usage of Hamilton that made this recruitment interesting for so long, as well as the presence of the other Styles son, Lorenzo Jr., who signed with the Fighting Irish last season. The appeal to play for Marcus Freeman in a defense that has utilized players with his skillset before, on the same team as his brother, was strong for the young Styles, But the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team was too much for Notre Dame to overcome – as linebackers coach Al Washington gets his man.
