EICHENBERG REMAINS HIGH PRIORITY AMONG 2016 LINEMAN
If the Buckeyes had their druthers, they'd sign their entire class of 2016 lineman from within Ohio's borders. They've already received a commitment from Portsmouth's Tyler Gerald (now at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida) and continue to try and chase the state's top overall player in 2016, Cincinnati Elder offensive tackle and Notre Dame commitment, Tommy Kraemer. While it's unlikely Ohio State will flip Kraemer from the Irish, they're still in a fist fight for the state's second-ranked offensive tackle, Cleveland St. Ignatius' Liam Eichenberg.
Two weeks ago, Eichenberg cut his list to only Ohio State and Notre Dame, and with a decision expected to come soon, the Buckeyes are working hard to keep the 6-foot-6, 290-pounder from believing that their depth means early playing time isn't a possibility.
"We know that other schools are going to hold this year's class against us for next year," one source shared about the Buckeyes' depth. "Signing six guys isn't normal but it does allow us to focus on 2016 in a more narrow way. We could be comfortable signing only two or three guys, so [Eichenberg and Gerald] could be it, especially if they're both locked up early. That keeps us from having to look elsewhere and gives him a chance to be very instrumental in his class."
247Sports.com lists Eichenberg as the country's second-ranked offensive tackle and a five-star prospect. Rivals.com lists him as only the 32nd-ranked tackle, so while there's some disagreement over what the ceiling is for the Ignatius star, the Buckeyes are confident in their belief that he'd fit into their culture and system nicely.
"He's a great kid; hard-working and confident," the source added. "He's right there with the best players in the country."
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