Buckeyes bolster their defensive depth by adding an SEC transfer from the portal
Ohio State has dipped into the transfer portal to add some depth to their defense, specifically in the backfield. The Buckeyes have received a commitment from former South Carolina DB Keenan Nelson Jr., who had spent the last two seasons with the Gamecocks before deciding to transfer. Nelson is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back who […]
Ohio State has dipped into the transfer portal to add some depth to their defense, specifically in the backfield.
The Buckeyes have received a commitment from former South Carolina DB Keenan Nelson Jr., who had spent the last two seasons with the Gamecocks before deciding to transfer.
Nelson is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back who will fit in the safety room for the Buckeyes. A four-star player out of Pennsylvania who played in four games as a freshman with South Carolina. Nelson recorded four tackles as a freshman and all of them came in the bowl game against Clemson.
As a redshirt freshman in 2023, Nelson played in 11 total games and made three starts. Last season, the Buckeye blocked a punt and had nine tackles with South Carolina.
Nelson is bringing defensive back depth that the Buckeyes needed in a group that includes Lathan Ransom, Caleb Downs, Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu, Jaylen McClain, and Leroy Roker. Ransom and Downs are the top two guys in the room and won’t spend much time off the field, but the future of the room matters too after that. Ransom opted to return for another season after passing up the NFL.
The Buckeyes have not been shy about going to the transfer portal often this offseason to add pieces to the roster. Downs and running back Quinshon Judkins are the big additions but depth adds like Nelson can be key with the new playoff format that will have players playing more games.
We still have a while until games begin in September but Ohio State will be out on the practice field before we know it to wrap up the summer and get prepared for their 2024 season.
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