Recruiting in the Big Ten is basically a game of chess, but when it comes to Cleveland Glenville, it’s more like a family reunion. If you follow the Buckeyes, you know the drill. A kid from the "Tarblooders" program blows up, and eventually, he finds his way to Columbus. But with Jamir Perez, things got a little weird for a minute.
He actually committed to Florida. Yeah, the Gators.
Imagine a 6-foot-4, 360-pound defensive tackle—a literal mountain of a human—deciding to leave the 216 for the swamp. It sent a minor shockwave through the local recruiting scene. But Larry Johnson, Ohio State’s legendary defensive line coach, doesn't really take "no" for an answer, especially when the prospect lives just two hours up I-71.
By July 4, 2025, the fireworks weren't just in the sky. Perez flipped his commitment, proving once again that the Glenville-to-OSU pipeline is arguably the most resilient connection in college football.
Who is Jamir Perez?
If you haven't seen his film, just picture a human semi-truck. Jamir "JJ" Perez isn't your flashy, edge-bending speed rusher who’s going to rack up 15 sacks a season. He’s a "space-eater." That’s the term scouts love to use for guys who are basically impossible to move off the line of scrimmage.
He’s massive. Like, legitimately massive.
Most recruiting sites have him listed at 6-foot-4 and anywhere from 330 to 360 pounds. What’s wild is that he actually carries the weight well. He isn't "sloppy" big; he’s got thick ankles and wrists, the kind of frame that makes NFL scouts drool before he even plays a college snap.
The Scouting Breakdown
- The Power: Perez has natural "knock-back" power. When he hits an interior lineman, they go backward. Simple as that.
- The Role: He’s a true nose tackle. In Jim Knowles’ defense, you need a guy who can occupy two blockers so the linebackers can run free and make plays.
- The Athleticism: He’s a multi-sport athlete who did shot put in track and field. You’ve gotta have explosive hips to throw a heavy metal ball that far, and that translates directly to his initial "get-off" at the snap.
The Drama of the Florida Flip
Honestly, the recruitment was a bit of a rollercoaster. Perez took an official visit to Florida in May 2025 and fell in love with the SEC vibe. Billy Napier and the Gators staff sold him on being the anchor of their defensive front. He committed on the spot.
But Ohio State didn't stop calling.
Larry Johnson kept the pressure on. Ryan Day kept the pressure on. They got him back on campus in June for an official visit, and the "home-state" pull started to win out. There’s a famous saying in Ohio recruiting: "The best in Ohio stay in Ohio."
Perez eventually realized he didn't need to go to Gainesville to play big-time football. He had it right in his backyard. When he flipped on Independence Day, it felt like a foregone conclusion to some, but it was a massive win for a Buckeyes staff that had been itching for more "true" interior defensive linemen.
Why the Ratings Don't Tell the Whole Story
A lot of fans look at his three-star rating and wonder why the staff fought so hard for him. He's ranked around the No. 700-800 range nationally.
But rankings are often about projection and "ceiling" in the pass rush. Perez is a specialist. He’s a run-stuffer. If you look at the 2024 season, Glenville’s defense had five shutouts. You don't do that without a guy in the middle who makes it impossible to run the ball.
Also, he’s had some injury luck that hampered his middle-school-to-high-school transition, including a torn labrum and a broken wrist. Scouts often dock points for missed time, but the Ohio State staff saw the raw tools. They see a kid who can be a 3-year starter and an NFL draft pick after a few years in a college strength program.
The Glenville Connection
You can't talk about Perez without talking about Ted Ginn Sr. and Glenville High School. This school has produced:
- Ted Ginn Jr.
- Donte Whitner
- Cardale Jones
- Marshon Lattimore
The list goes on forever. Perez joined his teammate, four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson, in the 2026 class. Having that chemistry matters. When these guys get to campus, they already know the culture. They know the expectations.
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What Happens Next?
Perez officially signed with Ohio State during the early signing period in December 2025. He’s expected to be on campus for the 2026 season.
Don't expect him to start on Day 1. Most 350-pounders need a year with Mickey Marotti (OSU’s strength coach) to reshape their bodies. They’ll likely want to lean him out to about 330 while keeping that insane strength.
If he develops the way Larry Johnson expects, he’ll be the guy occupying double teams while the five-star defensive ends get all the glory. It’s a thankless job, but it’s how you win championships in the Big Ten.
Wait and See: Keep an eye on his first spring camp. If he can show lateral quickness early on, he might crack the rotation sooner than people think. Ohio State is losing veterans like Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, so the path to playing time is wide open for a guy with Perez’s specific skill set.
Watch the tape. You'll see a kid who just doesn't get moved. In a world of 250-pound "speed" rushers, a 360-pound anchor is a rare and beautiful thing for a defensive coordinator.
Next Steps for Following Jamir Perez:
- Check the Spring Roster: Once he arrives in Columbus, look for his officially listed weight. If he drops from 360 to a "lean" 335, it means he’s ready for the speed of the college game.
- Watch the Glenville Pipeline: Ohio State is already looking at 2027 and 2028 prospects from Glenville; seeing how Perez integrates will influence those younger players.
- Monitor the Interior Rotation: See how Jim Knowles utilizes the "Nose" position in spring ball to gauge exactly where Perez fits in the 2026 depth chart.