Heard Around the Shoe – 8/22/2016
Ben van Ooyen via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Welcome to your tri-weekly look at all things Ohio State recruiting. Let’s get started!
Buckeye Target Releases Top 5, OSU Not Included:
Last month during Friday Night Lights, the Buckeyes landed a surprise commitment from Brian Snead, a 4-star running back for the class of 2018. With the depth chart at running back a bit thin after this season, I still expect the Buckeyes to take 2 backs in the class of 2018, but it looks like one of those will not be Ricky Slade. Slade is a 5-star back out of Woodbridge, Virginia. The Buckeyes are still working on convincing Jaelen Gill to be the second back in the class, and thus Slade figures he has a better shot elsewhere.
Slade lists 25 offers, and his top 5 include Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Florida and Penn State. His crystal ball status had Ohio State out in front with 4 of the 9 projections coming in for the Buckeyes up to this point. I expect the home town Hokies to be the front runner from here on out, but if the Buckeyes lose traction with Gill or Snead decides to look elsewhere I would expect the Buckeyes to get back in the mix.
Bishop Gorman Duo Injured during Scrimmage:
Ohio State West.. sorry I mean Bishop Gorman High School is home to two current Ohio State commitments and possibly another one around 11am EST time today. Wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey and Quarterback Tate Martell were both dinged up during their scrimmage last week, but according to sources both are ok and ready to go.
While Martell should be able to play in their week 1 matchup wtih Cedar Hill, Texas, Lindsay might not because of the NIAA has still not ruled on the transfer per
USA Today, and Lindsey would need 10 practices in order to be able to play in a game.
Check in around 11am EST time today to learn more about Tyjon Lindsey’s commitment, and if he picks the Buckeyes.
Top 2018 Ohio Prospect on hand for Practice:
Although he has yet to receive an offer from the Buckeyes, 2-way star Tyreke Smith showed up to practice on Saturday to check out the program and interact with the coaching staff. Listed as both a Tight End and Defensive End, Smith has the opportunity to shine on both sides of the ball to earn that Buckeye offer. Since he has not played football since the 7th grade, he does not have a lot to go on except his size and potential. Smith already holds offers from 12 programs including Penn State and Michigan State, and I would expect the Buckeyes to offer once they see him in person or on film.
Texas Offensive Lineman Gets Buckeye Offer:
Another day, another offer for a 2018 athlete. The Buckeyes extended an offer to 4-star offensive lineman Barton Clement from Missouri City, Texas last week. Clement lists 11 offers to date, and has 2 crystal ball predictions in for Texas A&M. The Buckeyes are always looking to build a strong offensive line and Clement is the 5th rated offensive guard in the class of 2018, and the 13th overall prospect out of the state of Texas.
Backup Plans?:
Most experts have pegged Jeffrey Okudah, a 5-star safety from the class of 2017 to eventually end up in the Buckeyes record recruiting class. While I still think that will happen, the Buckeyes are making contingency plans in case Okudah decides to sign elsewhere.
Xavier McKinney is a 4-star safety from Roswell, Georgia. He is a heavy Clemson lean, and right now 86% of all crystal ball predictions in favor him signing with the Tigers. McKinney is the 10th rated Safety in the class of 2017. This is certainly one to watch closely, as the recruitment of Jeffrey Okudah continues on.
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