Thoughts on the 2020 Ohio State football recruiting class
- Ryan Day really focused on Ohio kids, just like he said he would. All told, there are eight kids from the Buckeye state. That’s much more than what Urban Meyer went after in previous years.
- On that note, despite the No. 3 ranking as it stands today, the star rating per kid went down a little from what we saw Meyer pull in over his last couple of years. It’ll be interesting to see how the development of this group happens on the lower end.
- No other state had more than two total recruits. Behind Ohio, there are multiple commits from only Arizona, California, Michigan, and Texas. Day clearly went wherever he thought he needed to go.
- There’s only one commit from Florida. That’s a bit of a shocker. Meyer loved to go down to the sunshine state to get speed and talent that is so abundant there.
- The class is very heavy on offensive-lineman (6) and wide-receivers (5). The coaches clearly felt there was a need there, and when you look at who is likely moving on after this year, it makes sense.
- There might be a little concern at defensive back, especially if Cameron Martinez ends up signing elsewhere. There’s a real possibility that OSU loses its entire starting four on the back-end, and right now, only three guys are being brought in to back-fill. There’s other talent there, but you don’t want to get in a numbers game with that position on the field.
- Speaking of Cameron Martinez. He’s listed as an athlete, but he’s supposed to join the program as a defensive-back. He’s now the lone holdout who is still technically verbally committed to the Buckeyes. You have to believe he’s waiting to see who Jeff Hafley’s replacement will be.
- With the last minute commitment from four-star QB C.J. Stroud, it’s going to be very interesting to see whether he, or fellow four-star QB Jack Miller win the competition next year for the backup to Justin Fields. We will be on transfer portal watch in the near future?
- I’ve never seen a wide-receiver group like this, especially not at Ohio State. I’m sure there’s a comparable one out there somewhere in the history of other programs, but you’d be hard pressed to find it. I mean four top twenty receivers at their position in the entire class. That’s crazy. Assistant coach Brian Hartline is a stud in recruiting.
- Looking Guys that could provide immediate impact? I’d go with wide-receivers Julian Fleming and Gee Scott, Jr., as well as offensive-lineman Paris Johnson, Jr., and safety Lathan Ransom.
- How about a 3-star guy that might surprise? I’m going to go with running back Miyan Williams. He’s physical and hungry with the size to jump right into the mix.
- How about most versatile? I like four-star linebacker Kourt Williams. He’s a bit of a tweener with great athletic ability. It’ll be interesting to see what the coaching staff does with him.
- Six kids are from Cincinnati, and none are from Northeast Ohio. That’s a complete upside-down model of what we normally see. So much for Cincy not being known as OSU territory.
- This recruiting period had less drama than what we’ve seen with others in the past. Of course the flip of DB Clark Phillips III was a surprise, but little else went off script for Ohio State. Now the watch begins on what Cameron Martinez will do.