Commitment Breakdown: Four-star DE Dominic Kirks picks Ohio State

Dominic Kirks has found his home. The former Washington commitment backed off his pledge after coach Kalen DeBoer took the job at Alabama. The four-star defensive end has committed to Ohio State. Kirks picked the Buckeyes over opportunities with Alabama and USC.

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Kirks comes from a basketball background and is still growing into his body. He currently stands at 6-foot-5, 250-pounds with room to add more weight. He’s an athletic big man but his game isn’t all finesse. Kirks uses his hands well and is strong at the point of attack.

As he continues to fill out, Kirks could make for a prototypical base defensive end, slide inside in certain situations or stay out on the edge to rush the passer. Kirks fits into a number of defensive fronts and situations which makes him an appealing prospect.

Simply put, the defensive line is a position of need for the Buckeyes. Every school would like to add more defensive linemen but the Buckeyes have worked very hard at it this cycle. The team already has five-star prospect Eddrick Houston in the fold. That’s a terrific start but prior to Kirks he was the only defensive lineman in the class.

The team missed on other priority flip targets at the end of the cycle and needed another quality addition. Landing the highest-rated defensive player left uncommitted is quite the accomplishment. Coach Ryan Day and his staff are having a great offseason and this commitment is just another feather in their caps.

The Buckeyes are loading up and it’s not just big-name transfers flocking to Columbus right now.