Ohio State Recruiting: New QB commit-Buckeyes a great fit
By Chris Bruns
Jack Miller III deciding to join the 2020 Ohio State recruiting class means the Buckeyes appear set at the most important position on the field for the near future.
Urban Meyer continued his hot streak on the recruiting trail Sunday. Scottsdale, AZ QB Jack Miller III announced he will play his college football for the Buckeyes. That means Urban has top-tier quarterbacks committed to his next two Ohio State recruiting classes.
https://twitter.com/jackjamesmiller/status/1013482377358774273
Miller is a 4-star quarterback in the class of 2020. The 6’4″, 210 lb QB is ranked as the number 3 pro-style passer in the country, and the number 47 player overall in the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Miller joins 4-star offensive tackle Jake Wray, 4-star defensive back Lejond Cavazos, and 5-star offensive tackle Paris Johnson in the 2020 class, which is already shaping up to be another stellar one for Urban Meyer and company.
His commitment comes just days after that of 2019 QB Dwan Mathis, who flipped from Michigan State to come to Columbus. After missing on or showing little interest in most top QBs in 2019, Ohio State now appears set at the position for the foreseeable future.
Miller Time
In an essay for Letterman Row, Miller said he picked Ohio State because it “felt like home.”
"“I have had a great feeling about it since the first time I visited last June. I chose Ohio State because of how comfortable I am there and the confidence that I have with the coaching staff. I believe there is no better choice for me and my personal growth, not only on the field but off the field, than Ohio State.”"
Miller also singled out quarterbacks coach Ryan Day as influencing his decision, as reported by 247Sports:
"“He was a huge factor,” Miller said. “He spent time in the NFL. He knows what it takes to get there. He is the guy I want teaching me.”"
Miller also said he will not visit any other schools, and is shutting down his recruitment. For Buckeye fans used to drama surrounding quarterback recruiting, that announcement will come as a welcome relief.
For Ohio State’s part, the staff zeroed in on Miller as its top target for 2020 early in the process. Urban Meyer extended an offer in the Spring of 2017, during Miller’s freshman year.
Some compared the offer to the one given to 2017 QB Danny Clark, who wowed coaches with a stellar freshman campaign. Clark eventually flipped his commitment to Kentucky after the staff signed Tate Martell in the same recruiting class. Many felt Meyer offered Clark too early in the process.
But Ohio State, Meyer and Day are more familiar with Miller than most. They have personally watched him throw on numerous occasions, including last weekend’s Friday Night Lights. But there’s also a personal connection.
Miller’s father manages the hotel in Arizona that hosted the Buckeyes at their two Fiesta Bowl appearances in the Meyer era. Miller is also in contact with former Meyer star Tim Tebow. The two share a strong Christian faith, and a mutual pastor in Florida.
Now a look at how Miller will fit into Urban Meyer’s offense.