Closer Look: Freshman Dominic Kirks Not Your Typical Defensive Lineman

Ohio State signed defensive end Dominic Kirks out of Riverside High School in Painesville, Ohio. He was a Second-Team All-State selection as a senior after posting 86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, an interception, and four pass breakups. He was originally committed to Washington.

Kirks (6-4 255) was ranked the No. 163 player overall per the 247Sports Composite and the No. 24 defensive lineman in the class. He was also ranked the No. 8 player in the state. He signed with OSU over offers from Washington, Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, Michigan State, and others.

What To Like

Dominic Kirks is a big defensive end, which means that there is a question of whether or not he will stay a big defensive end. But he is also not your typical defensive lineman. In the clips below, you’ll see constant pursuit from his defensive end position, but also his usage on offense as well. Kirks also played basketball in high school, which gives you further idea of his overall athleticism.

Kirks also has a very quick first step which gives him an immediate advantage over the linemen trying to block him. Blue-chip defensive linemen can sometimes thrive simply on power in high school, but Kirks has the burst to go along with it. He’s also a very aware lineman. He keeps his eyes up in order to find the football.

Dominic Kirks is not your typical defensive lineman. pic.twitter.com/031hGo8VOz
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 17, 2024

The Potential

Dominic Kirks may draw comparisons to past Buckeye defensive ends from Northeast Ohio like Dre’Mont Jones and Rashod Berry. All three played basketball and all three had positional flexibility. Jones eventually moved to defensive tackle while Berry moved back and forth from defensive end to tight end. It may take some time for Kirks to find the position that suits him best.

Once he finds it — whether at defensive end or defensive tackle — all of his skills will still apply. He’s a very focused defender who doesn’t get lost upfield. He charges with the mission of the defense rather than going rogue. Kirks does his 1/11th and does it very well. That tendency should continue at Ohio State.

Ohio State freshman defensive end Dominic Kirks as a run defender. pic.twitter.com/2l4WQQhUaZ
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 17, 2024

The Expectations

Had Dominic Kirks enrolled in the spring, perhaps more would be expected of him this season. Being a true freshman who didn’t get to campus until June, however, the expectations need to be realistic. Kirks is also a bigger defensive end, so there is a thought that he may eventually grow into a defensive tackle. As such, he may currently be in the middle of that transition, which puts him at a further disadvantage.

However, Kirks is already a college-sized defensive end, so he doesn’t have to grow into that role in order to see some playing time this season.

Ohio State freshman defensive end Dominic Kirks is a powerful pass rusher. pic.twitter.com/L0bua3Eo6e
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 17, 2024

The Bottom Line

Ohio State does not have the deepest roster of defensive ends, and it’s going to be even less so next year. Any playing time that Dominic Kirks earns this season will benefit him much more so in year two. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has said about freshmen in the past that he doesn’t want to put them in bad spots. That means he’s going to be very picky about how he chooses to put Kirks on the field.

If Kirks responds well and is productive during those instances, Johnson will gain more confidence in him throughout the season. A redshirt is probably likely, if for no other reason than the fact that there are seven defensive ends with more experience ahead of Kirks. There are only so many reps in a game — especially in the close ones.

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