When we first spoke with Osceola (Florida) 2023 prospect Derrick Leblanc after an Ohio State offer was thrown his way in July, it came less than 24 hours after Joey Bosa became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive end. That was just one reason why the ultra-talented strongside defensive end was hyped up, but his excitement mainly revolved around a main opportunity – a chance to one day work with Larry Johnson.
The potential to be coached and mentored by Johnson – plus Ryan Day and Tony Alford, the other two in a trio that Leblanc has grown the closest with on Ohio State’s staff – still has Leblanc enthusiastic about the Buckeyes, which is a major reason why he made Ohio State the first unofficial visit he has set up once the NCAA (hopefully) lifts the dead period.