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Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 5/12 - Andrew Fleming committing, Emmanuel Rugamba recaps visit

Find out which prospects visited Ohio State, how the future Bucks did the on the AAU circuit, and more recruiting news from over the weekend.

By Charles Doss
2016 WR Emmanuel Rugamba was one of the Core6 Prospects to visit Ohio State on Saturday.
2016 WR Emmanuel Rugamba was one of the Core6 Prospects to visit Ohio State on Saturday.

Just about every Saturday, the Ohio State football program plays host to at least a few prospects. That was no different this weekend as Hubbard's George Hill, a class of 2016 running back, and quite a few members of Core6, a recruiting and training firm based out of Chicago, checked out the Ohio State campus.

Hill, one of the fastest and most electrifying players in the entire state of Ohio, rushed for 1,075 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while sharing carries with fellow OSU target Larry "LJ" Scott, a top 2015 running back.

After recently receiving an offer from the Buckeyes, who he has rooted for his whole life, Hill has been placed on "Commitment Watch". Surprising some, George didn't end his recruitment this weekend, but has plans to make it back to Columbus in the very near future, but could make things official on that trip.

Hill wasn't the only standout on campus over the last few days. Paul Szczesny, who helped future Bucks Dylan Thompson, and Jamarco Jones during the recruiting process, brought a stellar group of Core6 recruits to Central Ohio.

Class of 2015 wide receiver/tight end Miles Boykin and 2016 wide out Emmanuel Rugamba, were just two of the prospects that Szczesny had with him.

Boykin, a big and athletic target at 6'5 and 215 pounds, is no stranger to Columbus, visiting multiple times in the past. OSU, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, and Notre Dame are just a few of the programs to offer him so far during the process.

On Tuesday, Rugamba told Land-Grant Holy Land that he was excited to see the campus and meet the OSU coaches, and that is exactly what he did.

"I feel like the OSU visit was one of the best visits I've been on. I didn't get a chance to speak to Coach Meyer. He was just coming in towards the end (of my trip) from the NFL Draft. I got a chance to meet and talk to Coach Ash, and Coach Smith and it wasn't all about football. That's what stood out to me, is how easy it was to talk to the coaches and the recruiting assistants there were pretty cool too." Emmanuel told us of his Saturday trip to OSU.

"Another thing that stood out was the players talking to us and we really got a chance to hear how OSU sets you up in life after football also, which is a huge deal to me."  He added.

Last week, the 6'0 Napperville, Illinois native, received his first offer from his home state Fighting Illini, and with interest coming from not just OSU, but also Michigan and Northwestern, both programs he has visited in the past, his offer list should grow in the coming months.

Bargas on Bucks radar?

There is no doubt that Ohio State wants to add at least one tight end this recruiting cycle, and could very well end up signing two.

The staff has already offered a number of the top tight ends in the country, including Chris Clark, Jackson Harris, and Hale Hentges. On Friday, while in Florida recruiting, one Buckeye assistant checked in on another class of 2015 tight end.

"Zach Smith stopped by. I didn't get a chance to (talk with him), since he's not allowed," Jake Bargas, a 6'4 225 pound, tight end out of Boca Raton's St. Andrew's School, told Land-Grant Holy Land.

Duke, Boston College, Cincinnati, Louisville, Temple, South Florida and Wake Forest are just some of the offers Jake currently holds. Just because those teams have been on him for a while, doesn't mean he wouldn't consider OSU.

"A offer would be huge," Bargas said. " It is a legendary program with so much history. When I think of Ohio State, I think of national championships. He added.

Last season at St. Andrew's, Bargas caught 58 passes for just under 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Only time will tell if anything comes of Smith's Friday visit to St. Andrew's. We will keep you updated on the latest.

Commits shine on AAU circuit:

AJ Harris, Mickey Mitchell and Austin Grandstaff were back it over the weekend. Here is a little rundown of how the future Buckeyes did:

AJ Harris:

Helping lead King James to an overall record of 2-2 in this weekend's EYBL session in Dallas, Texas, Harris was on fire almost all weekend long. Against future teammate Austin Grandstaff and Team Texas Elite on Saturday, AJ blazed the nets for 18 points, and also dished out eight assists. His best game of the weekend came on Sunday when the 5'9 Dayton Dunbar guard finished with 26 points in a 69-66 loss to NorthWest Xpress (WA).

Mickey Mitchell:

Still nursing a back injury, Mickey was finally on the court after missing what seems like an eternity. Playing a limited role this weekend with the Texas Titans (3-1) in Dallas, the 6'7 forward saw his most playing time on Sunday, when he logged in 25 minutes, pitching in seven points, and eight rebounds, in a Titans victory over class of 2015 big men Ivan Rabb, Stephen Zimmerman and the Oakland Soldiers.

Austin Grandstaff:

AJ and King James might have beat his Team Texas Elite (0-4) squad on Saturday, but Grandstaff won in the scoring department against his future back court running mate. In possibly his best outing of the weekend, Austin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Quick Hits:

  • On Friday, Ohio State offered class of 2016 offensive lineman Chandler Tuitt. The Buckeyes join the likes of North Carolina and Ole Miss, as programs that have offered the 6'3 275 pound Sandy Creek High (GA) sophomore.
  • This afternoon at 4 p.m. EST, three-star class of 2015 shooting guard Andrew Fleming will announce his college decision via Twitter. The 6'3 Tennessee native, who preps at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, is deciding between Iowa, where he visited over the weekend, Ohio State, Florida, Memphis, Vanderbilt, and UNLV.

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