Ohio State Freshman Safety Jaylen Johnson Will Miss Season With Torn ACL

The Cincinnati native was a key member of the Buckeyes’ 2021 recruiting class.

For the second year in a row, Ohio State has lost a freshman defensive back to a knee injury in fall camp after safety Jaylen Johnson went down with a torn ACL during the first week of preseason practice.

The news was first reported by Lettermen Row, and though a team spokesperson could not confirm, BuckeyesNow was able to verify the report through other sources.

The 6-foot-1 and 223-pound Johnson came to Columbus as a three-star prospect from Cincinnati La Salle and was widely regarded as the glue that kept the Buckeyes’ 2021 recruiting class together. He wasn't likely to have a role as a freshman, but projects as someone who could eventually play the Bullet position.

Interestingly enough, that hybrid linebacker/safety spot is expected to be manned this season by redshirt freshman safety Kourt Williams, who suffered a torn ACL in fall camp last year. Much like Williams, Johnson will now have a lengthy recovery process ahead of him but should be back to full speed by the time next season rolls around.

Johnson is now the second player to suffer a significant injury in fall camp, as head coach Ryan Day announced last week that senior defensive end Tyler Friday will miss most of the season with an undisclosed injury.

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