Brandon Huffman 247SportsJ.T. is a defensive lineman. Tuimoloau is the first in 247Sports' 2021 national class rankings. He has decided to go to Ohio State.Tuimoloau announced the news on CBS Sports HQ Sunday. There were four finalists: Washington, Oregon, USC, and Ohio State.Tuimoloau is 6'4" and 277 lbs. He plays for Eastside Catholic in Sammamish (Washington). This class includes four of the best defensive lineman prospects.He is a Washington 3A state champion and has had 64 tackles (15 for loss) and 11 sacks in his junior year. This saw the Crusaders finish 12-2 overall, and avenge O'Dea's loss in the state title match.Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eastside Catholic's 2020 season had to be moved to the winter/spring of 2021. Over a compressed schedule, the team was 4-2.Tuimoloau attracted a lot of interest from all over the country and received 24 offers.OSU was the expected pick, but six 247Sports analysts unanimously guessed Tuimoloau going the Buckeyes.Tuimoloau ultimately chose that school, and Ohio State has another great defensive player.For years, the Buckeyes have produced elite talent on defense. These include two of the top three draft picks in 2020 in defensive end Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah. Nick Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers' edge-rusher, was named the NFL's Defensive Rookies of the Year for 2019. He helped his team to Super Bowl LIV.Tuimoloau could follow in the footsteps of former defensive greats and be a top draft pick one day.Brandon Huffman, 247Sports, provided a scouting report. He gave nine points out of a possible 10 for versatility, motor and athleticism.Huffman gave him eights for his hand speed and point of attack. Huffman also compared him with Cameron Heyward, a Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end."A strong, athletic, and nimble athlete with the potential to add considerable weight at the next level. He has lined up on the edge and mixed with his hand down while standing up. A top pass rusher who is able to mix many moves and has the strength to eliminate his blockers."Can be dropped into coverage against running backs and receivers. Has the athleticism, ball skills and athleticism to be a force on coverage. Even played safety. He could be a top tight-end prospect if he focuses on offense."Also a high major basketball player, averaging almost a double-double during his prep career. He is expected to become one of the top pass-rushers at the next stage as he gains strength and weight. He projects as a Power Five starter with an immediate impact and a top-10 overall draft selection.Heyward is a four-time Pro Bowler, and two-time All-Pro. He has excelled with Steelers over his 10-year career which saw him accumulate 29.0 sacks between 2017 and 2019.Tuimoloau is a two-sport athlete (football, basketball), and now he's heading to Columbus, Ohio to forge his own path.
