Already with three 2016 defensive tackle commitments in Kierre Hawkins, Jonathon Cooper, and Terrell Hall. The Buckeyes are hitting the recruiting trail hard to not only come out with not only a great upcoming defensive class, but to come out with one, if not the best defensive line class. The defensive line has seen much success in the past, especially with the addition of former Penn State coach, current Ohio State defensive line coach, Larry Johnson. Johnson has helped the Buckeyes keep on the radar for some of the top defensive line prospects, including top targets Nick Bosa, Antwuan Jackson, Kyree Campbell, and Prince Sammons. Along with these four top targets includes Mike Panasiuk out of Roselle, Illinois.
Standing 6’3, 285 pounds, Panasiuk was given a three-star rating and ranked the 49th defensive tackle coming out of his class (Per 247Sports). Panasiuk holds offers from some Big Ten programs, including Wisconsin, Penn State, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, along with some offers from programs such as Army and Florida Atlantic. “It feels good to have these offers. Every other offer I get just keeps motivating me more and more, some other school may come along and see what the like. It is a huge motivator for the upcoming season.” Panasiuk said. “The schools that are recruiting me the hardest right now are Iowa, Illinois, and Penn State.”
Panasiuk wants to wait and see which schools will come along and show interest before he decides on his favorite schools. He has visited Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State. He most recently visited Ohio State this past month, and made it a productive one. Coach Chris Ash did recently stop by Lake Park High School to visit Panasiuk. “I got to talk to Coach (Chris) Ash and Coach (Larry) Johnson. They both said they really liked my film and want to find a time to come up and see me.” Panasiuk said. “Coach Ash keeps in contact with me. Hopefully something happens soon.”
“Having an Ohio State offer would be huge. If that came around, that would definitely change around my thinking in which schools I would want to push forward and get to know. Relationship wise, I would want to get to know the coaches a little more and some other recruits. Also I would definitely want to get up there one or two more times and get the feel of Ohio State.”
Focusing on school and track, there are no planned visits. But, there will be some plans in the summer made for the defensive tackle. Panasiuk is looking to lead Lake Park in the upcoming season after going 5-4 last season. On top of that, he is looking to continue further in his recruiting process and improve his game. “Coaches have been telling me that they can tell I love to play the game with a viscuos mentality in the trenches. I am really focusing on my strength, speed and handwork.” Pansiuk said. “I want to help my team make the playoffs and be a leader on the team. We want to go to the state championship.”
Watch Panasiuk’s highlights here.
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