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After a big win at home over in-state opponent Cincinnati, Ohio State once again hit the recruiting trail hard. From hosting recruits such as '15 QB/ATH Torrance Gibson last Saturday, to handing out some offers on Monday, the Buckeyes made sure they remained on top of everything in the recruiting world while preparing to face Maryland in their Big Ten opener later this week.
To kick things off, Ohio State offered '17 wide receiver Emmanuel Greene, who stands at 5'9, 165-pounds (with some slight growing to come for the slot receiver) and has already been clocked at a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, which is extremely impressive for someone his age. The Florida-native is rated as a four-star in the 247Sports' ranking, and is ranked as the 15th best receiver in the country for the class of 2017, in addition to being the ninth best prospect at any position from the state of Florida.
Been waiting for this for a minute. Just got Offered by THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY #Blessed GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/sURJfsbCmt
— VII (@EGreene_7) September 30, 2014
Despite being early in the process, Green already holds offers from Cincinnati, Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Northern Illinois, Ohio, South Florida, TCU, Temple, Tennessee, UCLA, and West Virginia. With the Buckeyes throwing themselves into the fold, expect even more high-profile schools to be handing out offers left and right for Greene.
Ohio State is among the favorites for '17 wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (yes, he's the son of former NFL wideout Keyshawn Johnson) and now it appears Johnson Jr. wants to get a closer look at the Buckeyes, by taking a visit to Maryland this week for the game between the Buckeyes and Terps. Of course, the Terps are still the host school and will have the recruiting advantage of being able to lead Johnson around.
Buckeye wide receiver Michael Thomas is also a cousin of the younger Johnson, with the elder Keyshawn Johnson being his uncle. Since both his father and cousin will be there, Keyshawn Johnson Jr. is planning to make it a recruiting visit for both sides. Johnson has been said to have been favoring Ohio State recently and his father has gone out of his way to say nice things about the program.
Johnson is rated as four-star under 247Sports' rankings, and the 6'1, 180-pound wideout is ranked as the 18th best wide receiver in the class of 2017, while also checking in as the ninth best prospect at any position from the state of California.
I have confirmed that 5* DE Josh Sweat will not be visiting #UGA this weekend as planned. http://t.co/l15EiSCc4y
— EvanGWatkins247 (@EvanGWatkins247) September 29, 2014
'15 defensive end Josh Sweat has canceled yet another visit to a college this weekend, with Georgia this time, as the injury he suffered to his kneecap has thrown a sort of wrench in his plans this season. So far, the only official visit Sweat has taken up to this point as been to Ohio State. That visit came on Sept. 6 back when the Buckeyes were playing Virginia Tech. Sweat has two more visits planned with Florida State (Oct. 17) and Oregon (Nov. 1), but plans to reschedule with Georgia at some point down the line.
Florida State currently holds the lead in the 247Sports Crystal Ball with 41 percent. Virginia Tech trails the Seminoles with 38 percent. Ohio State and Georgia are tied for third, with both at nine percent. The 6'5, 240-pound defensive end is rated as a five-star under the 247Sports Composite and is ranked as the number one player in America, the number one defensive end, and number one player from the state of Virginia.