Over the last few decades, the Glenville pipeline to Ohio State has produced a number of great players. From Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. to current Buckeyes, Arvell Reese, Damarion Witten, and Bryce West, Glenville in Cleveland, Ohio, has been the single-greatest pipeline of talent to Columbus. Now, the top off-ball linebacker/EDGE from Ohio has committed to James Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes defense.
Cincere Johnson picked the Buckeyes over the likes of Alabama and Penn State. He is considered by 247Sports to be the second-best player from Ohio. He gives the Buckeyes five of the top ten in-state players. At his position, Johnson is ranked as the ninth-best EDGE in the nation and 79th-best player regardless of position. He represents the 16th commitment of the 2026 class. Johnson is the second linebacker in the class, joining fellow in-state recruit CJ Sanna.
The Glenville Pipeline Strengthens With Cincere Johnson’s Commitment
Ohio State fended off late pushes by Alabama and Penn State. However, it always felt like he was going to be a Buckeye since they offered last September. To put it into perspective, the Nittany Lions had him wear the 11 jersey. Which, to Penn State, is reserved for their defensive superstar.
In an interview with Eleven Warriors, Johnson said, “Ryan Day, James Laurinaitis, and just the brotherhood and relationships that are going on down in Columbus. The transfer portal just happened, and Ohio State is one of the schools that just shows that brotherhood, that stands out to me every time. I’ve been able to see how things are run this spring, coming off a national championship. They’re not getting too lax. The addition of coach (Matt) Patricia also shows the things that he brings to the table and the way Ohio State is going to be run this year.”
The 6′-3″, 240-pound rising senior already has a strong relationship with Reese, who looks to take a step as one of the go-to linebackers in 2025.
What Johnson Brings to Columbus
Johnson is an explosive athlete with all of the tools his coaches will love. He may not have the repertoire of pass-rush moves, but he projects as a guy who can impose his will at the point of contact.
As a linebacker, Johnson has short-area quickness, an elite first step, and can change direction on a dime. In addition to eventually being able to rush the passer, Johnson can drop back into coverage. When the play is away from him, he has the motor and will to pursue the ballcarrier and is a through-the-whistle kind of player.
247Sports projects him as a havoc-creating front-seven defender and could make an impact early. The Glenville pipeline is one that the Buckeyes continue to go back to year in and year out. Johnson’s commitment is just the latest, and he joins a prestigious group of Glenville-to-Ohio State players.
Main Image: Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
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