Scarlet and Game
Fansided

2018 Ohio State Recruiting Class: RB Situation Interesting Already

By Charlie Lockhart

Apr 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; A detailed view of a sticker in support of former Ohio State football player Will Smith on a helmet at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; A detailed view of a sticker in support of former Ohio State football player Will Smith on a helmet at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Which running backs will join the 2018 Ohio State recruiting class?

It’s only been three weeks since the outstanding 2017 Ohio State recruiting class was signed, sealed and delivered and now the 2018 class is already getting interesting. Especially when it comes to the running back situation.

Urban Meyer offered a scholarship to a RB recently, another has already committed to the class and one prospect who apparently would like to commit didn’t do so on an unofficial visit over the weekend. It looks like it will be quite a while before the backfield situation is settled in the 2018 Ohio State class.

Let’s look at each of the players who are in the mix beginning with the lone running back committed to playing for the Buckeyes.

Brian Snead:  4 Star  5’ 11, 200 Pounds  Seffner, FL

Brian Snead has been committed to Ohio State for quite some time and appears to be very firm in his commitment. However, the No. 4 RB in the 2017 class will be pressured by the Florida schools to stay in state, and half of the SEC will attempt to get him to flip his commitment before next February.

Tavion Thomas:  3 Star  6-2, 225 Pounds  Dayton, OH

Tavion Thomas’ draft stock is shooting up and he now has 21 scholarship offers. The recent offer from Alabama forced Urban Meyer to jump into the fray earlier than he often does with Ohio recruits.

Thomas received his offer from Ohio State on a visit last weekend and could be that power back Urban Meyer is looking for. There is plenty of speed at the running back position for the Buckeyes but none of the backs on the roster are even close to 225 pounds.

Iverson Clement:  4 Star  6’0, 190 Pounds  Mount Holly, NJ

As reported by Eleven Warriors, Iverson Clement visited Ohio State last weekend but went home without becoming a part of the ‘18 recruiting class. This in spite of the fact that the 247 Sports Crystal Ball predictions are 100 percent that Clement will play for the Buckeyes.

Urban Meyer extended an offer to Clement last fall, but some offers are unconditional while others aren’t. Urban may just be deciding what kind of back he wants to bring into the 2018 class, and there is a chance Clement could be the odd man out.

Clement also is similar in size to this local product who is high on coach Meyer’s list.

More from Scarlet and Game

Jaelen Gill:  4 Star  6’1, 182 Pounds  Westerville, OH

Jaelen Gill is one of the most coveted recruits in the nation and Urban Meyer will do everything in his power to keep him from leaving home. Gill is projected to be an H-Back, but if he continues to grow and put on weight, he could become a true running back.

That could be a factor in Clement’s status, as it’s still to be determined which position he may be more suited for.

Must Read: Ohio State Recruiting Round-Up: J.K. Dobbins

In any event, it appears Ohio State will have a good group of backs in the 2018 recruiting class. And who knows, Urban may load up in the offensive backfield this recruiting cycle and all of the players mentioned will become Buckeyes. It will be interesting to see how the backfield situation will play out.

Home/Ohio State Buckeyes