"He actually sends me a Bible verse every day": Four-star DL Jermaine Kinsler talks about his interest in Ohio State

By Maliha

Modified Sep 10, 2024 12:25 GMT

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Four-star defensive lineman Jermaine Kinsler from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, is still exploring his college options. He holds more than two dozen offers, and Ohio State remains high on his list, especially due to Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

Johnson is known for developing NFL talent, with eight Ohio State defensive linemen earning first-team All-America honors under his leadership. NFL stars like Joey and Nick Bosa, as well as Chase Young, owe much of their success to his mentorship.

Besides his success as a coach, Johnson is a "relationship guy" not just for current players but also for potential prospects like Jermaine Kinsler. While talking with On3, Kinsler revealed the personal attention he receives from the coach.

“He actually sends me a Bible verse every day," Kinsler said. "That’s what stands out about him. So he’s high on my list right now.”

For prospects like Kinsler, Johnson will try his best to earn their pledge and even after the successful mission, he will not stop. Johnson revealed in March that he’s committed to chasing greatness alongside his players. This dedication to long-term excellence rather than monetary gain bodes well with Kinsler.

If the 6-foot-7, 260-pound prospect commits to Ohio State, he could be the first defensive prospect in the Buckeyes' 2026 class. OSU has five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. committed to the class.

Jermaine Kinsler doesn’t want to limit his position

Coming off an 11-1 season with Bergen Catholic in 2023, Jermaine Kinsler's school began the 2024 season ranked No. 19 in the MaxPreps Preseason football rankings. After two games, the team stands at 1-1, and Kinsler has recorded four tackles.

Kinsler is rated by the On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 162 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 14 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 1 recruit in New Jersey. Though he is rated as a defensive line prospect, he is being recruited both as a defensive end and tight end.

However, Kinsler is not interested in being confined to any single role on the field.

"I don't say I want to play tight end," Kinsler told 247 Sports. "I will play anywhere. I'm an athlete. I will play wherever."

Jermaine Kinsler has had a hot summer with offers from Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, Duke, Auburn, Boston College and Illinois. Till now, the Florida Gators are currently leading the race for his commitment, with a 25.8% chance of landing him, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine. Other major contenders include Penn State (11.8%), Ohio State (10.1%) and Michigan (8.4%).