5 Buckeyes from Pickerington are ready for the national title game

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – If one thing is certain, Pickerington pride is high as five of the district’s graduates prepare for the national title game.

Jack Sawyer, who enhanced Pickerington’s talents after his decisive win and score in the Cotton Bowl, graduated from Pickerington North High School.

“His work ethic, his leadership and his toughness probably separate him from the other guys who probably don’t have the success that he had,” said Pickerington North head coach Nate Hillerich, who also coached Sawyer in high school.

Hillerich said Sawyer was an incredible role model who his current players admired.

“That’s the great thing about Jack, the relationships he’s built. I think if you ask anyone at Ohio State or Pickerington North, everyone will love him and know he’s a good guy,” he said.

Former Ohio State and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles has two sons on the team, Sonny Styles and Lorenzo Styles Jr. Both men graduated from Pickerington Central High School.

“It gives me great pride and joy to see the fruits of their hard work pay off and be given the opportunity to play in this type of game,” Styles said.

Styles described Pickerington’s players as courageous and determined.

“Workers who work hard, you know we get up every day, put our hard hats on and work on whatever it is we’re going to do,” he added.

As the entire state of Ohio prepares for Monday’s big game, popular spots like Roosters in Pickerington are ready to party.

“These players have a very special place in our hearts in Pickerington because they are from this hometown,” said Nicole Cox, vice president of marketing for Roosters in Pickerington.

Jack Sawyer, Sonny Styles, Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ty Hamilton and Max Lominaco are current Buckeyes who graduated from Pickerington schools.