Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Malik Barrow names leader, Dredrick Snelson update

On Wednesday, the Buckeyes were able to get good news on their positioning for two of Florida's best prospects in the 2016 class. One of the best defensive ends from the Sunshine State, and another of Florida's best wide receivers are very high on the Scarlet and Gray. Also, one of the top class of 2017 prospects from Pennsylvania was the recipient of a Buckeye offer.

Bucks lead for Barrow

According to Corey Bender of Scout.com, Ohio State is at the top for '16 DE Malik Barrow. The four-star prospect had plenty of positive things to say in regards to the Buckeyes. Here's what the Tampa native told Bender Wednesday morning:

"I'm really interested in them and I will put them at the top (of my list). Just the opportunity I would have there, both on and off the field. They could set up the best opportunity for me to be successful in life and that's what I like about the school. The coaches are great and coach (Urban) Meyer does a lot for his players. That's just a great school right now."

Barrow also stated that he plans to visit Columbus for the spring game and is thinking about making a decision prior to the visit. The 6'3, 245-pounder holds offers from Georgia Tech, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, UCLA, and more. Barrow, who was previously a student at Tampa Catholic (FL), currently attends IMG Academy and is a teammate of '16 OG Tyler Gerald, who has been committed to the Buckeyes since June of last year.

The situation at defensive end in the 2016 class will be one to monitor. Ohio State already has commitments from 2016 defensive ends Jonathon Cooper of Gahanna Lincoln (OH) and Terrell Hall of St. John's College (DC). They are also in great position with'16 DE Nick Bosa and a few others. It will be interesting to see how many pass rushers the Buckeyes will want to take in the class and of course, who will want to take the available spots.

Ohio State has Snelson's attention

In an interview with Amy Campbell of Scout.com, '16 WR Dredrick Snelson listed Ohio State as a team that stands out, as well as Auburn, Florida, and Florida State. The four-star receiver told Campbell in the interview (linked above) that he likes everything about Ohio State and said '15 QB Torrance Gibson, an Ohio State signee and former teammate, has been in his ear. Snelson is hoping to make a decision in the summer time and noted that he needs to check out the Columbus campus.

Snelson currently grades out as the 126th-best player in the 2016 cycle. He also sits at 28th overall at the wide receiver position and is the 19th-best player in the state of Florida. According to 247Sports, the former Miami (FL) commit has yet to receive an offer from the Buckeyes but we'll see if that changes in the future.

Wade grabs new offer

Ohio State sent out a new scholarship offer on Wednesday. It was '17 CB Lamont Wade of Clairton (PA) who was on the receiving end.

Extremely blessed and excited to receive an offer from THE Ohio State University!!!!!!! #GoBucks #B1G ⚪ ⚪ pic.twitter.com/5escor8BmW

— LaMont Wade (@Goony_38) March 4, 2015

Wade, a 5'10, 185-pounder, is currently graded out as the 44th overall player in the class, the fourth-best cornerback in the country, and the No. 2 ranked player in the state of Pennsylvania. If the Buckeyes could pull him out of Panther and Nittany Lion territory, they would pair him with another Wade in the class -- '17 CB Shaun Wade of Trinity Christian Academy (FL) -- if they can hang onto him, of course.

Ohio State joins Boston College, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple, and West Virginia as programs to offer the Clairton native. Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/linebacker coach Luke Fickell is the point man in the Buckeyes' pursuit of Wade.