Hart probably thought Jeremy Ruckert would go pro following the 2020 season, opening the door for early playing time as a freshman. However, it certainly can’t hurt for him to learn behind a guy that he has been compared to in the past, and a tight end that Hart looks up to as someone he can emulate at the next level.
“That’s pretty special to me because when I get there, that’s who I’m gonna look up to,” Hart said to Eleven Warriors of the Ruckert comparisons. “He’s a great role model to look up to. He’s an upperclassman and he’s done a lot of great things with the program, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. That’s kind of my goal right now.”
Ohio State isn’t exactly a place known for its tight end usage, but the Buckeyes were always at the front of Hart’s mind during the recruiting process.
“I kind of had them in my mind. I went on visits at the end of June and in July, and I went on some game day visits to Notre Dame and USC. Those were my other top-two choices,” Hart said. “But I kind of knew Ohio State was my favorite throughout that, and then that Penn State game it was like, ‘This is my home. I’m ready.’ A few weeks later, I called up Coach [Tony] Alford, Coach Wilson and Coach [Ryan] Day and committed, and I’ve been so happy with my decision.”