Ohio State Recruiting: Things that influenced Patterson’s decision?

The Ohio State recruiting classes held together during Urban Meyer’s administrative leave. Now, there has been a reported defection.

You probably have heard by now that 2019 linebacker Kane Patterson has reportedly decommitted from the 2019 Ohio State recruiting class and reopened his recruitment. Let’s look at why the top 200 player and No. 9 inside linebacker chose to commit to play for the Buckeyes, and why he may have changed his mind.

Like many players, Patterson cited the strength of the football program, the academics at Ohio State and the opportunities provided to young men after their playing days are over in making his original decision. However, relationships with coaches are nearly always a factor when a recruit commits to a program.

Jeremy Birmingham of Lettermen Row had previously called Patterson the most likely of the 2019 commits to back out of his pledge.  Birmingham reported that Patterson’s relationship with Urban Meyer was a key factor in his decision.

The hit that Meyer’s reputation has taken in the national media over the last month, particularly in the wake of his press conference, may have shaken his family’s conviction that Ohio State was right for him.

More from Ohio State Football Recruiting

• Ohio State Football recruit goes berserk in high school game
• Ohio State Football: Four-star TE could pick Buckeyes soon
• Ohio State Football: Five-star recruit scores on national TV
• Ohio State Football now has the most talented 2024 recruiting class
• Ohio State Football lands big five-star defensive lineman

Patterson also received an offer from Clemson earlier this month which may have played a role in his decision.

The 2019 and 2020 recruiting classes have held together remarkably well in light of the scandal surrounding the program. Meyer’s eventual return should shore up most doubts that may have been lingering in the minds of players and their parents. That return clearly wasn’t enough to keep Patterson in the fold.

Losing a top 10 inside linebacker in a recruiting class is never a good thing but it’s not a dire situation for the Buckeyes. Cage Stover, an outside linebacker commit in the 2019 Ohio State recruiting class, is listed at 6-5, 235 pounds and could very well be moved inside.

There will certainly be other high school linebackers willing to fill the opening left with Patterson decommitting as well.