Early National Signing Day 2023: Ohio State signs six of Ohio’s top high school football seniors

Three of the top five players in Ohio are staying home to play for the Buckeyes

On Wednesday during football’s Early National Signing Day, Ohio State received National Letters of Intent (NLI) from six of the top 22 high school football seniors in the state of Ohio, including the top player and three of the top five (rankings according to 247Sports).

Among those players were the top two cornerbacks in the state – Springfield’s Aaron Scott and Glenville’s Bryce West.

Both four-star recruits, the duo each earned first-team All-Ohio in their respective divisions.

Scott, the top player in the state is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback and had a pair of tackles for loss and two interceptions this past season in helping lead the Wildcats to the Division I state championship game for the third straight season. He also ran for 257 yards and eight scores on the season.

Aaron Scott Jr. – The Best in America just got better because the best in Ohio stay in Ohio.  This guy has a rare blend of length and athleticism that will have BIG 10 wide receivers in knots for the next few years.  Welcome to THE Brotherhood Aaron.
       #2THE4THE x… pic.twitter.com/pJ8TOborg4

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2023

West is the No. 5 player in the state and the No. 2 cornerback. The 5-foot-11 senior helped lead the Tarblooders to their second straight Division IV state title but missed the championship game due to injury.

West’s teammate Damarion Witten signed with Ohio State as well. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end was named the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl earlier this week.

Damarion Witten – A problem for Safeties, a nightmare for Linebackers.  An offensive weapon that creates mismatches across the field.  This Cleveland, OH native just needs to hit I-71 south to CBUS to make his massive presence felt. Welcome to THE Brotherhood Damarion.… pic.twitter.com/d8uNyz7TWS

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2023

Big Walnut linebacker Garrett Stover, the No. 3 player in Ohio and the top linebacker in the state, also signed with the Buckeyes. He was named first-team All-Ohio in Division II for the last three seasons.

St. Edward teammates – and twin brothers – offensive linemen Devontae and Deontae Armstrong round out the top signees for the Buckeyes.

Devontae is the No. 21 player in the state, standing at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds and Deontae is the No. 22 player in Ohio, who stands at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds. The brothers were both named first-team All-Ohio this past season and helped lead the Eagles to their third straight Division I state title.

Devontae Armstrong – An Ohio State Champion 3 times over, a Buckeye born and bred.  This Lakewood, OH native is a road grader who not only can clear a path his backs but will do everything necessary to keep QB1 upright.  Welcome to THE Brotherhood Devontae.
       #2THE4THE x… pic.twitter.com/HclKxdDjWG

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2023

-- Ryan Isley | ryan@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveoh

(Feature photo: Glenville's Bryce West (left) and Damarion West (right) have officially signed to play at Ohio State. Photo credit: Ryan Isley, SBLive Sports)

Early National Signing Day 2023: Updates on where Ohio high school football seniors have signed