Justin Hilliard commits to Ohio State over Notre Dame, Iowa

Ohio State has definitely been picking up momentum on the recruiting trail, but had yet to land an elite recruit in their 2015 recruiting class. That all changed today in a big way as Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier linebacker Justin Hilliard ended his recruitment and committed to the Buckeyes. Hilliard is ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker and the 21st overall player in the 2015 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The Ohio State coaching staff (specifically Urban Meyer) did an awesome job recruiting Hilliard. Despite being an instate guy, he hasn't lived in Ohio his whole life and never really had the emotional connection to the Buckeyes that a lot of Ohio kids have. At this time last year the Buckeyes were barely in the picture in his recruitment.

Hilliard has said before that he wants to be a leader in the recruiting class for whichever school he commits to and I fully expect him to fill that role for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State beat out Notre Dame and Iowa (where his older brother plays) for Hilliard's commitment. Alabama and Michigan were also in his final five schools, but weren't really in the picture as his decision drew nearer.

We'll have much more on the biggest commitment of the 2015 class thus far as the day progresses.

See what Hilliard could potentially bring to the Ohio State defense below: