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The top prospect at any position from the state of Ohio has officially signed his letter of intent with Ohio State. Justin Hilliard first committed back on July 2 and has never wavered from his verbal pledge.
Hilliard is ranked as the nation's 34th-best prospect and the second-best outside linebacker in the country. He is the highest-rated recruit committed to Ohio State, based off the 247Sports Composite rankings. Hilliard joins fellow classmates Nick Conner and Jerome Baker as linebackers for the class of 2015.
With interest from top schools all over the country, Hilliard chose the Buckeyes over offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and USC, to name a few of the many.
As a senior in high school, the 6'0, 225-pound Hilliard racked up 71 tackles, five sacks, and forced two fumbles. He was named to the 2014 All-USA First Team by USA TODAY and was a 2015 Army All-American Bowl selection.
Our Christopher Jason breaks down what Hilliard can do for Ohio State when he's on campus:
Justin Hilliard is the most complete linebacker in the 2015 class. He already has the body, athleticism and instincts to make a day one impact in Columbus.
He makes plays sideline to sideline in the running game and explodes through gaps, making plays in the backfield. He drives through ball carriers and makes the running back pay on almost every tackle. He possesses great lateral quickness and can make plays down the field.
When coming off of the edge, he consistently beats tackles inside or outside with his lightning quick first step. He blows up running backs who stay in for pass protection with his already elite strength and delivers jarring blows to the quarterback. He is an elite blitzer.
Overall, Hilliard is a stud. He will be one of the next great linebackers at Ohio State as he can do it all.
Don't just take our word for it. Check out Hilliard in action with his senior high school highlight tape: