Ohio State '23 IN DE (RS FR) - Joshua Mickens

Joshua Mickens brings potential, perseverance to Ohio State football's defensive line https://t.co/IZKVO5oAfa

— BuckeyeXtra.com (@BuckeyeXtra) January 3, 2023

 

Ohio St signee Josh Mickens Vs Aggies OL signee Colt Thomason @LettermenRow https://t.co/BeLdmmQiHO pic.twitter.com/ymyv04Vg5k

— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) January 4, 2023

 

Joshua Mickens (@JoshuaMickens7) knows he has to be smart in his approach when trying to reach the quarterback.

His size isn't there just yet, but his speed and length are.

More on him from San Antonio @AABonNBC https://t.co/cONkexLXCi

— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) January 5, 2023

 

Joshua Mickens has the skill set to be an impactful pass-rusher for Ohio State but will need to add weight to his 6-foot-5 frame first. https://t.co/GN22BGfeIO

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 20, 2023

 

4-STAR DE JOSHUA MICKENS
A one-time LSU commit, defensive end Joshua Mickens decommitted from the Tigers' class last November and flipped his commitment to the Buckeyes on Dec. 21, 2022. Mickens ranks as the No. 19 edge rusher out of Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis. He was the top-ranked player from Indiana in the 2023 class and No. 144 overall, per the 247Sports Composite.

Also a multi-sport athlete, Mickes won the Midwest Indoor Championships shot put title and averaged 13 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in basketball as a junior. He will focus purely on football with the Scarlet and Gray and look to be one of the next great Ohio State defensive ends coached by Johnson.

Scout's take: Possesses requisite physical tools for a true edge projection, whether putting a hand on the ground or standing up in a hybrid role. Good height with wiry strong frame that holds ample space to add needed mass.

Plays with his hair on fire. Unregulated motor with accompanying pursuit athleticism. Shows chase-down ability and provides dangerous back-side threat. Flashes encouraging dip-and-bend athleticism to run the arc. Highly productive junior season with 20-plus TFL, a dozen sacks, several forced fumbles.

Efficient in hand violence with little wasted activity. Flashes some heavy-handedness in dislodging pop against bigger blockers. Quick first step adds juice to pursuit acceleration.

Owns an outstanding overall athletic profile with three-sport participation. Averaged 13 points and seven boards per game in a junior hoops campaign that featured not only good athletic context, but sport-specific skill (53 percent FG, 72 percent FT). Decorated shot put competitor with at least three throws from Spring 2022 indoor and outdoor competition beyond 50 feet.

Will need to continue adding mass to combat point-of-conflict size and strength at the high-major level. A bit unorthodox in movement patterns, gets the job done, but can get looser and twitchier in short-area lateral scenarios. Generally a good tackler but occasionally compromises form for a big hit. Can get more consistent in snap anticipation to further elevate pass-rush threat.

Bona fide Power Five-caliber edge prospect who checks a number of desired attributes in regards to frame, athletic foundation, and production. Projects as a potential impact player down the road for a high-major school with the long-term potential to become an NFL Draft candidate. - 247Sports National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks

 

Joshua Mickens wanted to go where he would be developed into a future NFL player but also wanted to stay close to his family. He saw the best of both worlds at Ohio State. https://t.co/b4mW6y03cp

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) May 22, 2023

 

Closer Look: Defensive End Joshua Mickens Is A Complete Run-Pass Defender https://t.co/Z7zTUO2srA

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) May 27, 2023

 

Incoming Ohio State freshman defensive lineman Joshua Mickens earns Marion County Athlete of the Year honors in Indiana. https://t.co/Ooo6nBVh2i

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) May 31, 2023

 

Defensive end Joshua Mickens becomes the 15th Ohio State freshman to shed his black stripe with the Buckeyes. https://t.co/D4vh2rDsca

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 12, 2023

 

🚨𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🚨

Newest member of the Rushmen, @JoshuaMickens7 🌰 pic.twitter.com/fDO7c0K8i8

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 11, 2023

 

The Buckeyes return their top five defensive ends from last season, but don't forget about redshirt freshman Joshua Mickens. Mickens (6-5 236) should make a deep room even deeper in 2024. https://t.co/PeL6akppMD

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) January 22, 2024