Donovan Jackson, former 5-star recruit, preparing for big role in Year 2 with Buckeyes

Donovan Jackson came to Columbus as a 5-star recruit and the No. 19 player in the country for the class of 2021. The No. 5 prospect in Ohio State’s recruiting class, Jackson appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman with 100 plays on offense.

Now entering his sophomore season, Jackson is preparing for what should be a starting role in 2022. He worked with the starting unit throughout the spring, and now it’s up to Jackson to prove he can carry the expectations of being a starter for the Buckeyes.

“Since I’m taking more reps with the starters, I’m expected to play like a starting offensive lineman at Ohio State, and that carries a lot of weight,” Jackson said according to Nathan Baird with Cleveland.com.

“We’ve had a lot of guys come through here (that have) done successful things. So being able to hold up the standard and being able to improve the standard is what coach (Ryan) Day and coach (Justin) Frye wants — from not only me but the offensive line as a whole.”

Fortunately for Jackson and the Buckeyes, the offensive line has a strong group already in place with Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler anchoring the unit. Now, it’s up to Jackson to prove he belongs in that group as another anchor piece for 2022 and beyond.