Tommy

Togiai

Togiai had a breakout junior year, emerging as the anchor of Ohio State’s defensive line. He’ll be part of a revamped Browns interior that moved on from Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi this offseason. A one-tech run stopper, Togiai could see rookie year snaps on early downs.

A one-year starter at Ohio State, Togiai (6'1/296) emerged as arguably the Buckeyes’ most valuable player on defense in 2020 while playing the one-tech position over team’s opposing center. He’s infamous for playing like a bully in the trenches, leveraging his significant strength (40 bench reps) and flexibility through his hips to shed tackles and bullrush at the line of scrimmage. Overall, he boasts developed power and physical hands and projects as a stout run defender with pass-rush upside. Vita Vea comes to mind when watching Togiai’s tape.

Togiai (6'1/296) is a bit undersized for interior line work, but his testing is off the charts, posting elite marks with a 4.49 shuttle and 7.20 3-Cone drill as well as his blazing fast 40-yard dash time. Throw in his herculean 40 bench reps with an excellent 9.12 RAS and you’ve got an impressive physical profile. He posted three sacks, 4.5 TFL and a forced fumble in only five games this fall, earning a sterling 87.5 overall defensive grade from PFF. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. pegs Togiai as the No. 7 defensive tackle in the class. We see Togiai as a solid Day 2 prospect.

Togiai missed the title game against Alabama due to COVID-19 issues, and boy did Ohio State miss him. The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder posted three sacks, 4.5 TFL and a forced fumble in only five games this fall, earning a sterling 87.5 overall defensive grade from PFF. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. pegs Togiai as the No. 7 defensive tackle in the class. We see Togiai as a Day 2 prospect at present.

Togiai (6'3/292) is the biggest name of this list, as the starting DT earned a 87.5 overall defensive grade from PFF for his play this season. The massive defensive lineman registered 23 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two PBU and a forced fumble as a starter in 2020 and his presence in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defense that allowed only 96.7 yards per game.

Togiai was a big get for the Buckeyes, and the 6-foot-3, 292-pound defender has been a solid contributor for Ohio State. As VanHaaren notes, the stats aren’t overwhelming (six total tackles), but his ability to plus the gaps and allow other defenders to make plays has been impressive; particularly for such a young player. He should help the Buckeyes more and more as the season progresses.

“He has been blown away with the hospitality and effort by coach (Urban) Meyer, (Larry) Johnson and staff. Great individual meetings on how he fits in at OSU. Been wonderful all around,” said Gino Mariani, Togiai’s coach at Highland High School (Idaho). Mariani pointed to Washington, USC, Wisconsin and Utah as his pupil’s favorites along with Ohio State. The 6-foot-3, 292-pound Togiai ranks as Rivals’ No. 22 defensive tackle prospect in the 2018 class.

VanHaaren notes that Togiai wasn’t the highest rated defensive tackle in Ohio State’s class -- that would be Taron Vincent, ESPN’s top rated player at the position -- but Togiai has size (6'3/292) and strength that could allow him to play early for the Buckeyes -- especially after getting in spring practices. “Ranked as the No. 4 tackle in the country, Togiai has already been showing impressive ability inside for the Buckeyes,” writes VanHaaren. “He could help fill a big need on the depth chart as the staff is losing quite a bit up front defensively from last season.”

Togiai (6'3/292) will be checking out Washington’s wares when the Huskies take on Cal on October 7. Utah and USC could also see official trips from the Pocatello, Idaho, native. He visited Ohio State over the summer and fellow Big Ten outfit Wisconsin is also in the mix, here. Rivals ranks Togiagi as the No. 157 overall prospect in the 2018 class.

Togiai (6'3/292) took official visits to Utah and Washington in addition to Ohio State this fall. The Pocatello, Idaho, native committed to OSU about one week before the start of the early signing period and did not sway off that pledge when the moment came to put pen to paper on Wednesday. He slides into the ESPN 300 master list at No. 53 overall, with the outlet noting that Togiai “has a supreme blend of size, strength and athleticism” and the upside to develop into a disruptive force at the collegiate level.