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The Buckeyes have added another Cass Tech (MI) prospect to the program as '15 DL/OL Joshua Alabi has faxed in his letter of intent to the coaching staff in Columbus. The ninth-best senior in the state of Michigan has been committed for a little under seven months, but has now made it official.
Alabi was a bit of a surprise commitment for Ohio State during the recruiting process. In fact, Alabi was widely predicted to pick in the in-state Michigan State Spartans. However, the Detroit native selected the Buckeyes on July 25th, during the Friday Night Lights camp this summer. Other programs that were hoping to land the 6'5, 295-pounder include Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and more. There were some late rumors that Miami might be able to flip Alabi, but in the end, he stuck with the Buckeyes.
It's another victory for CB coach and ST coordinator Kerry Coombs, who has had tremendous success in the state of Michigan during his time with Ohio State. He led the way in the recruitment of Alabi and has made it a priority to continuously plant a flag in one of Michigan's most talented high school programs in Cass Tech.
Land Grant Holy-Land's Christopher Jason gives his thoughts on the addition of Alabi and what he can bring to the Scarlet and Gray:
Alabi possesses a skill-set that will allow him to play either offensive guard or strong-side defensive end at Ohio State. Personally, I see Alabi on the offensive side of the ball due to the influx of talent on the defensive line and although he could play defensive end, I think he fits better at Ohio State as an offensive guard.
Alabi will need to work on his blocking technique once he gets to Columbus but he has good height (6'5) and frame to gain muscle mass in the next couple of years. He has a good motor and plays with passion, something that will help him get on the field eventually.
Overall, Alabi seems to be a project who will be a red-shirt candidate his freshman year. After spending time in a college weight room and getting the proper coaching, Alabi will eventually get the chance to compete for a starting position. It could be on the defensive line but I am projecting him as an interior offensive lineman, right now.
Before he steps into Ohio Stadium, you can get a look at Alabi below.