Former Ohio State linebacker Dallas Gant is headed back home. The 2018 four-star prospect was announced Feb. 2 as a member of Toledo’s signing class, just over four months after ending his Ohio State career and entering the transfer portal.
A native of Toledo who played his high school football at St. John’s Jesuit, Gant projects as an immediate contributor for a defense that expects to replace the majority of its linebacker production. He will have two seasons of eligibility with the Rockets – one from a redshirt in 2021 and one from the COVID season granted to every player.
Gant appeared a likely starter entering Ohio State’s 2021 season and played 41 snaps in the season-opening matchup with Minnesota, but suited up for only five snaps against Oregon in week two and just one in his final game as a Buckeye against Tulsa. He entered the portal on Sept. 22 after 25 games, 29 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss, 1 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles across four seasons in Columbus.
Once considered the No. 166 player in the nation, Gant will be the highest-ranked recruit on Toledo’s roster and is one of only two former four-star prospects along with Maryland running back transfer Peny Boone. Linebacker Rourke Freeburg and defensive end Deshawn Holt are transferring into Toledo from Power Five programs as well, checking in from Arizona and Maryland respectively.
The Rockets fielded one of the MAC’s best defenses a season ago under coordinator Vince Kehres, allowing 21.8 points, 151.5 rushing yards, 198.7 passing yards and 350.2 total yards per game.
Gant is the eighth former Buckeye to find a new home in the portal during this cycle. Quarterback Quinn Ewers and cornerback Ryan Watts are returning to their home state and suiting up for the Texas Longhorns, defensive tackle Darrion Henry-Young announced for Kentucky, offensive tackle Ryan Jacoby transferred to Pitt, walk-on quarterback Jagger LaRoe is going to Texas A&M Commerce, quarterback Jack Miller is headed to Florida and safety Craig Young is signed to Kansas.
Walk-on quarterback J.P. Andrade; linebacker K’Vaughan Pope – who left the team in the middle of its matchup with Akron; and cornerback Amir Riep, who was kicked off the team in 2020 all remain in the portal.
