Ryan Shazier, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, graduated from Plantation High School in 2011. He was a nationally ranked outside linebacker who committed to Ohio State University, where he played from 2010-2014. During his college career, Shazier was a team captain for his final two seasons, earning All-conference and All-American honors.

He finished his time at Ohio State with 315 tackles, 208 solo tackles, and 14.5 sacks, before forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.