That said, yes, there’s a premium on true offensive tackles. And that’s why, since losing out on J.C. Latham to Alabama, Ohio State has focused its offensive line attention on 5-star prospect Tristan Leigh. His recruitment is narrowing down — he’ll announce his decision on Jan. 2 — and it’s a three-team race between Oklahoma, Ohio State and LSU. Right now that is probably the order for Leigh.
He was supposed to make it to Columbus for the Buckeyes Bash in October but couldn’t, and though he has been to town before, not getting him back on campus before his announcement makes it much harder to imagine him selecting the Buckeyes over the Sooners. His mother confirmed to Lettermen Row that there’s still at least a chance for a visit on the weekend of Dec. 19 — but not before then because of work and a previously planned family trip over the weekend of Dec. 12.
So while the odds may be long in the race for Leigh right now, there’s no quit in the Ohio State efforts. If there’s a steadfast desire to take another tackle in the Class of 2021, the Buckeyes have not overreacted to the trend with Tristan Leigh by offering another player at the position yet. If they intend to do so, it’d be in their best interest to do so sometime relatively soon.