Three recruits on top of the Ohio State football program’s board
By Ryan Stano
The Ohio State football program has tried to right the recruiting ship in recent days. After a rough start to the month of August, they were able to land a couple of commitments after losing a couple of guys. Now, they have plenty of time to try and fill the class.
There are three guys that the Buckeyes have their eye on to make a move soon. All of these three guys are prospects that would help this class get a lot better in the rankings. The way that things are now, getting all three would propel Ohio State’s class to number one.
Of course, things won’t stay the same though. Both Alabama and Notre Dame will keep getting recruits, although Notre Dame is running out of room for their class. Ohio State, meanwhile, still has plenty of room for some recruits in their class.
The first prospect on this list is someone that the Buckeyes would love to get, especially because it would keep him away from Clemson.
The Ohio State football team would love to get Matayo Uiagalelei
Matayo Uiagalelei is the brother of D.J. Uiagalelei, who is the quarterback at Clemson. Matayo is being recruited by Clemson as well. The Tigers are certainly one of the programs that Matayo is considering but the Buckeyes are trying to keep him away from them.
Besides the Buckeyes and Tigers, Matayo is considering Oregon and USC. Why is everyone hot on his tail? It’s because Matayo is a 6’5 265 pound defensive end and a five-star recruit. He also plays tight end, but Matayo is being pursued solely as an edge guy.
You would think that the success Larry Johnson has had with edge guys would give the Buckeyes an advantage, but no one knows. Obviously, the connection with Clemson is there because of his brother. But make no mistake, Matayo will go where he thinks is best for him, regardless of family.
It’s unclear when he will make his decision. What is clear is that Matayo is the number one recruit left on Ohio State’s board. They will blitz him hard and make it really tough for him to go elsewhere. He would join a loaded room of defensive ends too.
If Matayo did choose the Ohio State football program, he would be the second five-star prospect to commit to the Buckeyes. We’ll see if Johnson and Jim Knowles can get a top prospect like Matayo to commit.
The second guy on this list is someone who is going to make his final decision later this month.