Massillon (Ohio) Washington four-star wide receiver Jayden Ballard officially ended his recruitment when he signed with Ohio State during the first day of the Early Signing Period on Wednesday.
The 6-2, 175-pound Ballard is considered the eighth-best wide receiver and No. 66 prospect overall in the class of 2021, as he caught 141 passes for 3,636 yards and 37 touchdowns in three full seasons at the varsity level. He also led the Tigers to three-straight appearances in the state title game.
Ballard earned a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes following a strong camp performance in June 2018 and his relationship with wide receivers coach Brian Hartline only grew from there. He made numerous visits to campus over the next year, including the spring game in April 2019 and Ohio State’s 7-on-7 camp that June before he committed during the inaugural Buckeye Bash and BBQ in July 2019.
Ballard is joined in his class at the wide receiver position by Steilacoom, Wash., five-star Emeka Egbuka and Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep four-star Marvin Harrison.
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