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LB Garrett Stover (National Champion)

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OHIO STATE LINEBACKER COMMIT GARRETT STOVER SHOWS HIS TOUGHNESS, TACKLING ABILITY WITH STANDOUT PERFORMANCE DESPITE BROKEN THUMB​

Garrett Stover’s toughness and tackling ability were on full display in Big Walnut’s 49-7 win over Worthington Kilbourne on Friday night.

The Ohio State linebacker commit broke his thumb while making a tackle on Big Walnut’s first defensive play of the game. Even so, Stover continued to play for the rest of the first half and made plays all over the field, showcasing his athleticism as he recorded nine tackles from the safety position to help Big Walnut take a 28-0 lead into halftime.

Stover did not play in the second half due to the injury, but his one half of play was enough to see why Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis are excited about him joining Ohio State’s linebacker unit next season. And Stover, who is ranked as the No. 10 linebacker and No. 133 overall prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the 2024 class, is equally excited about playing for them.

“Knowles was at my school today, talked to him for a while. And Laurinaitis too, we really got a strong connection,” Stover said. “They always say that they can't wait to coach me. I can't wait to be coached by them. They’re the best in the country. It doesn't get better than that, having those two in the linebacker room coaching you. So I can't wait.”

Stover said he’s “pinched myself" thinking about how he is three months away from arriving at Ohio State as an early enrollee. And he’s loved watching the Ohio State defense so far this season as the Buckeyes have held their first four opponents to 34 combined points.

“They fly around like crazy,” Stover said. “I can't wait to play in that defense, in that scheme. The Notre Dame game was unbelievable. And I'm excited to see what they do against Maryland next weekend.”

 
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  • Four-star 2024 linebacker Garrett Stover: "Definitely one of the best games I’ve been to where that place is rocking. Thought the atmosphere was great and a great visit again. I thought the team played really well. Both sides of the ball made a ton of plays. That’s what they do, they’re the best team in the country and I look forward to watching them every single Saturday."
 
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  • Four-star 2024 linebacker Garrett Stover: "I felt the team played great all around and I love how even with some players hurt, guys stepped up and really played well. They are the best team in the country I believe and it showed why they are last night. Just gotta keep it rolling, I’m excited to come back next week. The atmosphere was great like always, best damn fans in the land."
 
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IMMEDIATE IMPACT​

Having already bulked up to 220 pounds, Stover will begin his career in Columbus adding more muscle to his 6-foot-1 frame to maximize his potential as a linebacker. While Ohio State initially recruited him as a safety, he will be a linebacker for the Buckeyes.

With Cody Simon, Sonny Styles, C.J. Hicks and either Gabe Powers or Arvell Reese making up the two-deep at Will and Mike linebacker, Stover isn‘t likely to see much playing time if any during his first season in Columbus. Don't be surprised if he makes some noise as a special teamer this fall, though, where he can showcase his athleticism and versatility early on as a Buckeye.

LONG-TERM IMPACT​

While Ohio State’s two-deep at linebacker is filled with upperclassmen in 2024, Simon will be gone in 2025 and Styles and/or Hicks could realistically declare for the NFL draft. While Stover will have to compete for playing time with the likes of Reese and Powers, among others, his first real shot to gain playing time on defense will be in his sophomore season.

If Styles and/or Hicks forgo their final years of eligibility, Stover could quickly become one of the most versatile players in Ohio State’s linebacker room.

His ability to be a hybrid-type player in the middle of the defense could allow Ohio State to use Stover in similar ways in the future to which it will use Styles this season, and that could allow Stover to get on the field sooner than if he was solely a linebacker. That said, with James Laurinaitis taking over as OSU's linebackers coach, talent won't be hard to come by in that room, including with fellow freshman Payton Pierce.

If things go according to plan, Stover will be a starting Will linebacker for his beloved Buckeyes by his junior season, showcasing his ability to drop into coverage and defend opponents in the defensive backfield like a safety and sniff out plays in the opponent's backfield as a linebacker.
 
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