Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 11/7 - Rashad Roundtree commits to Georgia

Bright and early this morning, the Buckeyes had a chance to lock up their third class of 2015 commitment this week from a Southern state standout. A few days removed from visiting the Ohio State campus, highly touted four-star safety Rashad Roundtree made his college choice known in front of a crowd at his high school.

Unlike Joshua Norwood, who committed to OSU on Tuesday, Roundtree elected to stay close to home and play for Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs. Roundtree is one of the top overall defensive backs in the state of Georgia. The 6'1, 195-pound Under Armour All-American picked up scholarship offers from well over a dozen schools throughout the recruiting process.

While he was heavily recruited by Alabama, Auburn, Duke, Georgia, Ohio State, and many others, Roundtree felt the best fit for him was the 'Dawgs.

For most of the process, Georgia was thought of as the leader for Roundtree, but after taking his official visit to Ohio State last weekend, the Buckeyes were then looked at as major contenders in his recruitment. With just a few months left until National Signing Day, Roundtree would have given Urban Meyer and OSU 21 verbal commitments, and move them one step closer to a top-three overall recruiting class for 2015.

Take a few moments to watch his highlights, brought to you by Hudl:

Penza offered walk-on spot:

Youngstown Ursuline jack-of-all-trades Vito Penza, one of the most underrated prospects in the state of Ohio, was recently offered a walk-on spot to join the Buckeyes.

Receiving the news from his coach, who spoke with OSU defensive coordinator Chris Ash, Penza (who is getting recruited by many schools as an H-Back or linebacker) would probably end up on the defensive side of the ball if he decides to accept his chance to suit up for Ohio State.

"It would feel really great to play for my home state surrounded by a huge fan base," Vito told Land-Grant Holy Land.

Holding scholarship offers from the likes of Eastern Michigan, Cornell, Dartmouth, and the walk-on opportunity from the Buckeyes, the 6'3, 225-pound Penza is wanting to get a closer look at two of the aforementioned programs in the very near future.

"I have not been on any visits, but I would like to take an Ohio State and Dartmouth visit for sure, but I haven't really pinned down any dates," he said. "Dartmouth is definitely sticking out to me. Also Ohio State. Having them come out of the blue is pretty special."

Playing quarterback and linebacker for Ursuline, Penza has the 6-4 Fighting Irish looking to make some noise in the state playoffs over the next few weeks. On Saturday, Ursuline will have the chance to do just that, as they take on United on the campus of Youngstown State.

Want to see Vito Penza in action? Check out these highlights:

Quick Hits:

• It might be going rather smoothly for Ohio State on the recruiting trail, but for Michigan, things are starting to fall apart. After the decommitment of numerous recruits over the last few months, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines staff have now lost out on linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. The four-star prospect from Lawrence Central High in Indianapolis will no longer consider UM, and is going to give a strong look at programs such as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, and USC.
• If you haven't already, take a few moments to vote for the Land-Grant Holy Land Elite '15 MVP for Week 10. From the looks of things, future Buckeye quarterback Joe Burrow will hold out linebacker Justin Hilliard to win his ninth MVP of the season. Just like you probably did on Tuesday, let your voice be heard, and vote.