2025 EDGE Zahir Mathis grateful to learn from ‘Larry Legend’ Johnson

COLUMBUS — Zahir Mathis didn’t hesitate when he was asked what draws him to Ohio State.

“Chase Young,” he said, before also mentioning Joey and Nick Bosa.

Those three program standouts combined for 74 sacks in their Buckeyes careers. All three were top-three picks in the NFL Draft, and all three won AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

What’s more, Nick Bosa is the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Mathis, a 2025 four-star Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Institute EDGE, is well aware of the Buckeyes’ defensive end pedigree. So aware that he refers to longtime Ohio State D-Line coach Larry Johnson as “Larry Legend.”

Mathis is the No. 39 overall prospect and No. 5 EDGE in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

He’s already been to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson and South Carolina this month. He has offers from four of those five schools — Clemson being the exception — not to mention his offers from the likes of Penn State, Florida, Texas A&M, Michigan, Oregon, USC, Notre Dame, Florida State and, of course, Ohio State.

But he relished the chance to spend Wednesday afternoon with Johnson during Ohio State’s third recruiting camp of the summer, which offered an atmosphere Mathis called “amazing.”

“It was great to get out of here on the campus and everything like that with ‘Larry Legend,’” Mathis told Lettermen Row. “Had a perfect time. He coached me up, did me justice, everything like that. Had some good reps on 1-on-1s, ups and downs and everything like that.”

2025 EDGE Zahir Mathis runs through pass rushing drills with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day (right) and general manger Mark Pantoni (left) watching from afar during a June 14 recruiting camp. (Andy Backstrom/Lettermen Row)

Mathis still has room to grow into his 6-foot-5 frame, but his athleticism jumps out. It showed up Wednesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and it’s clear on tape, too.

He can track down ball carriers, off the edge or from behind. And his length and leverage help him in the pass rushing department. What he said needs improvement, however, is his footwork.

That’s where Johnson came in.

“I learned a lot,” Mathis said. “He helped me out with my technique. I had bad footwork, so he helped me out with that. Stance-wise, helped me out. He helped me get off the ball faster and everything like that.

“So it was pretty great.”

Mathis looks up to some of the best sack artists in Ohio State history. Maybe someday he’ll be chasing their Buckeyes records.

For now, Mathis is looking to make his mark at Imhotep.

His goal? 21 sacks in a season.

If Mathis reaches or eclipses that number either of the next two years, he’ll be well on his way.

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