Lorenzo Styles Jr. Wins Second State Title in Three Years

Pickerington Central (Ohio) and 2021 receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr.‍ pulled off a rare feat on Friday night as the Tigers won its second State Championship in three years. 

The Tigers held off Elder 21-14 in Massillon and Styles feels Pickerington Central made a statement for Central Ohio and public schools.

"It means a lot as a team to bring that back to our community," stated Styles. "It means a lot to me to fulfill the goal for my seniors and let them end on a win.

"I feel it says you don't have to be a private or a Catholic school. I think we're going to set a new expectation, especially at Pickerington Central. It says about  the talent of football and our program." 

The four-star prospect isn't used as much as you'd think in the Tigers offense, but quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw found Styles for a 49-yard touchdown with 3:41 left to break a 14-14 tie. 

"I knew our team needed a big play," explained Styles. "The offensive line and Meech put me in a good position. I just used my speed and vision to make that big play for my teammates." 

Styles never gets too high or too low in anything, so when he crossed the goal line, the Tigers star knew there was more work to be done.

"I was super excited, but we still had three minutes left," said Styles. "I just wanted to go finish out the game. At the end of the game, I was definitely excited." 

The 2021 Notre Dame commit also plays cornerback and safety, but if you've watched him live, you know things get a little boring for Styles. 

"They don't really throw my way," laughed Styles. "I didn't give up one catch in the playoffs, so it was kind of boring. 

"We have Ty Hamilton (Ohio State commit) on the line and people don't run towards him that much either." 

When it comes to Notre Dame, Styles and his future classmates have started a communication and it isn't limited to the football commits.

"We all have a group chat," Styles said. "It's actually unique. We have a group chat with all the 2021 commits throughout all the sports.

"I think we're forming a little community." 

The Fighting Irish currently sit with the No. 1 recruiting class in 2021 and Styles is focused on making sure they stay at the top. 

"I'm getting closer with everyone, especially the football guys," Styles said. "Everyone is a big-time player that we have committed so far and now we want to get other big-time players to come join us.

"I know Tyler (Buchner) and a couple other guys are working on some offensive guys. I know we need some defensive guys right now, so I think that's what Blake (Fisher) and I are going to focus on." 

Buchner and Styles go back to June of 2018, where they both camped at Notre Dame.

Styles couldn't be more excited to have Buchner joining him in South Bend, especially after seeing the stats the California quarterback put up in 2019.

"It's super exciting," stated Styles. "He's a great quarterback and a great dude too. We have a good connection. 

"It's also exciting having a great line coming in too."