Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 11/3 - Torrance Gibson to commit, Seth Towns offered

Over 100,000 screaming Ohio State fans weren't the only ones bearing the cold weather in Columbus on Saturday. Many class of 2015 and 2016 recruits were, too.

The list might not have been as long as the Virginia Tech or Cincinnati games, but there was still a nice group of talented high school athletes roaming the sidelines of Ohio Stadium. Here are just some of the recruits who took in the Buckeyes' 55-14 blowout win over Illinois:

Commits:

• LB Justin Hilliard (Cincinnati/St. Xavier)
• LB Jerome Baker (Cleveland/Benedictine)

2015 recruits:

• DB Rashad Roundtree (Evans, GA/Lakeside)
• DB Joshua Norwood (Valdosta, GA/Valdosta)
• OL Branden Bowen (Draper, UT/Corner Canyon)
• DB/LB Anthony McKee (Columbus/Marion Franklin)

2016 recruits:

• WR Justin Layne (Cleveland/Benedictine)
• OL Gavin Cupp (Leipsic/Leipsic)
• LB Zach Sandwisch (Toledo/Central Catholic)
• LB Eric Rogers (Warren,MI/De La Salle Collegiate)
• RB Chris Evans (Indianapolis,IN/Ben Davis)

McKee visits, will announce next month:

Marion Franklin senior standout Anthony McKee was on campus this weekend for the Buckeyes' win over Illinois.

"It was a good visit. The crowd was in it, even though it was a blowout. I didn't talk to the coaches. I'm waiting on coach Fickell to call me," McKee, a four-star prospect, told Land-Grant Holy Land.

With Oklahoma, Michigan State, and Kentucky on top of his short list, McKee (who could play either strong safety or linebacker on the college level) would like to add a scholarship from Ohio State before he announces his college commitment on December 21st.

Even if his hometown Buckeyes don't come through with an offer, Anthony is just excited to know he is going to continue playing the game he loves.

"It has been a fun and long ride," he said. "I am getting ready to go to the next level, and get better, stronger, faster, and excel my game. It will be trouble wherever I go. We are going to bring it."

McKee will have another chance to watch the Buckeyes play in person very soon. The 6'2, 200-pounder will be one of the many recruits visiting Michigan State next Saturday night when Ohio State invades East Lansing.

Gibson to commit later today:

At 1:00 this afternoon, arguably the top overall athlete in the class of 2015 will announce where he will play his college ball. Torrance Gibson, a four-star quarterback from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale (FL), will select between Ohio State, LSU, and UCF live on FoxSportsFlorida.com.

A threat to score every time the ball is in his hands, the 6'4, 200-pound Gibson is going to make one program very happy today. Considered an Ohio State lean for months, it would be very surprising if Urban Meyer and Ohio State aren't his choice.

Gibson would be the second class of 2015 quarterback to give the Buckeyes a commitment, joining Joe Burrow of Athens. While Burrow is more of a pocket passer, Gibson is an all-around athlete with tons of speed, which could help the Buckeyes open up the playbook in a number of different ways.

See what Gibson could bring to the Bucks with these highlights:

Matta offers Northland junior:

While on the OSU campus for a visit to watch the Buckeyes take part in a scrimmage on Saturday, class of 2016 small forward Seth Towns, of Columbus City League powerhouse Northland, received an offer from Thad Matta and the Ohio State basketball staff.

Towns is a 6'7, 200-pound four-star prospect.  He's one of the top prospects not just in Central Ohio but in the entire state. Towns adds the Ohio State scholarship to a list that consists of Iowa, Michigan, Dayton, Xavier, and Virginia Tech, to name a few.

The sharp-shooter was one of the overall team leaders on a very solid Northland squad last year. Towns averaged over 13 points and seven rebounds a contest as a sophomore for the Vikings, who finished the season 22-5.

Quick Hits:

• 2015 Michigan commit Mike Weber will take official visits to Ohio State, Miami, Michigan State, USC, and one unnamed school, per Tom VanHaaren of ESPN. The four-star running back plays for Cass Tech, the same high school as Elite '15 pledge Joshua Alabi and current OSU defensive back Damon Webb.
• Last Thursday reports came out that class of 2015 offensive guard Matthew Burrell would announce his college choice this week. Those plans might be pushed back now, as his father tweeted to SB Nation Penn State writer Nick Polak that his son is waiting "at least another couple months before he announces, plus another official visit." Is this just a smoke screen to get Ohio State, PSU, and Tennessee on the edge of their seats? I guess we will wait and see.
• Last week Ohio State quarterback commit Joe Burrow ran away with his eighth Land-Grant Holy Land Elite '15 MVP award. Did the Athens High senior do enough to win his ninth or will Justin Hilliard, Denzel Ward, Rashod Berry, or Eric Glover-Williams win their first? The poll is open. Make sure to cast your vote.