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Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Elbert Robinson commits to LSU

Another big basketball prospect, Elbert Robinson, made his announcement today. Though there was reason to be optimistic for the Buckeyes, the Texas big man ultimately elected to take his talents elsewhere.

By Ian Cuevas
'14 offensive tackle Damian Prince will announce his decision on February 14th, to honor his great grandmother
'14 offensive tackle Damian Prince will announce his decision on February 14th, to honor his great grandmother

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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta and his staff entered today awaiting the decision of '14 C Elbert Robinson to see where the class of 2014 star would land. Robinson, a 7'0", 322-pound center, made his decision Tuesday morning in an essentially two-horse race between LSU and Ohio State. Looking back at the Crystal Ball, most predictions favored the Tigers (80%) to the Buckeyes (15%).

Georgia Tech and Nebraska also had an outside shot, as mentioned by LGHL's very own Zach Fleer in his article about Robinson. After Ohio State missed out on '14 C Goodluck Okonoboh, the Buckeyes were looking to secure the interior big help that they still could use in this class. Here's more from Zach Fleer's article:

Robinson's father labeled the Tigers as a "tight fit." Cancelling his official visit to Georgetown, Robinson will be choosing between the two teams mentioned above, in addition to dark horses, Georgia Tech and Nebraska.

With Thad Matta's reputation for putting big men in the NBA, Greg Oden, Jared Sullinger, Kousta Koufos, and Byron Mullens, for example, Columbus may be the best fit for the highly-touted center. With the slowed progression of current Buckeye center Amir Williams, Robinson would have a great chance at seeing extended minutes from the jump.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Robinson elected to give his commitment to LSU over his other three finalists. For Matta, Jeff Boals, and company, it's back to the drawing board. And with time running out on the 2014 class, they may need to get creative if they genuinely do feel another big is a necessity.

'14 OT Damian Prince told Rivals' Mike Farrell that he will be announcing and deciding where he will attend on February 14th in honor of his great grandmother. Prince has been in contact with Ohio State since his recruitment pretty much started, and the interest has been mutual to this point. As of now, according to the Crystal Ball, Prince is predicted to wind up at Florida State (44%).

Finally, '14 WR Braxton Berrios has announced his final five teams in anticipation of his decision that is coming this Saturday. Berrios will be choosing between Kentucky, Miami, Oregon, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Ohio State was at one time listed among his favorites, but after not getting a whole lot of love from the coaching staff, Berrios quickly lost interest in the Buckeyes.

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