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Ohio ranks fifth among states that have produced most 2019 NFL Combine participants
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We hear all the time that Florida and Texas are football hotbeds, producing mass amounts of elite-level talent on a yearly basis. And, with the numbers to back it up, it’s really hard to argue that those are the two best states at developing NFL-caliber stars.
But do you know which state really doesn’t get enough credit for producing high volumes of quality talent regularly? Ohio.
That’s right, Ohio is regularly among one of the states that develops great players. A recent statistic sent from the NFL Draft’s official Twitter handle reaffirmed that.
Ohio ranks fifth among states that produced the most players who will participate in the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine later this month. Twenty players played their high school football in the Buckeye State, which is behind only four other states: Florida (54), Texas (31), Georgia (25) and California (25).
The list of players invited to the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine will be released today. While you're waiting, ponder the top 5 states where the 338 participants played high school football?
Florida 51
Texas 31
Georgia 25
California 25
Ohio 20— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) February 7, 2019
That’s a pretty favorable statistic for the state. And that figure is exactly why B1G teams try and steal a few prospects from Ohio each and every year.
Florida is still head and shoulders above the rest of the competition, and that likely won’t change anytime soon. Texas will probably occupy that second spot regularly, as well. But Ohio is right on pace with Georgia and California.
It’s a credit to the passion people have for the sport and the high school football programs within the state.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB