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Harrison one to watch
When it comes to the 2016 recruiting class, there are still plenty of names that could very well find a spot in the Buckeyes' top-ranked class. However, there is one player who doesn't get much as he probably should. '16 ATH Malik Harrison, from Walnut Ridge (OH), is a player that has the attention of the Buckeyes' coaching staff. I spoke to someone who has seen the 6'4, 215-pounder recently, who thinks Harrison could certainly be the next Darron Lee for the Scarlet and Gray.
I exchanged messages with the Columbus native, who told me that he speaks with head coach Urban Meyer and defensive coordinator/linebacker coach Luke Fickell once a week. From my vantage point, it seems that Harrison is one who Ohio State is keeping close tabs on, and I wouldn't be surprised if an offer comes soon. In late August, Meyer made a stop at Harrison's game to watch him perform against Bishop Watterson (OH). Also, about a week ago, the three-star prospect received a call from the head coach. We'll see what develops between the Buckeyes and Harrison, but as of now, it looks like the Wisconsin Badgers may be out in front.
Gardner sets OSU official
In my "State Secrets" column last week, I discussed '16 CB Chauncey Gardner possibly making an official visit to Ohio State. On Tuesday, the current Gator commit confirmed that he'd make an official to Columbus via Twitter. Gardner will be making the visit on November 21 when the Buckeyes take on Michigan State, in likely Ohio State's most difficult challenge throughout the regular season.
My Official Visit In Order ❗️❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/wzQRxR1jMA
— STICK TALK❗️❗️❗️ (@StillDat_) September 16, 2015
As you can see, Gardner will also be making officials to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Notre Dame as well. We'll see if the Buckeyes can out-battle some top-notch programs to pry Gardner from Jim McElwain and the Gators. Lastly, I would expect '17 ATH and Ohio State commit Bruce Judson, who is teammates with Gardner, to make the trip with him.
Wallace happy with decision
It was back in the middle of April when '16 QB Tristen Wallace made his collegiate decision to become a student-athlete at The Ohio State University. Just about five months later, Wallace seems very pleased with the decision he made that day when he pledged to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes. The 6'4, 200-pound standout from DeSoto (TX) took to Twitter on Wednesday to talk about how he feels about the big move he made.
So glad I chose Ohio State. So thankful and blessed to be apart of something like this. Big shoutout to #BuckeyeNation ⭕️ !
— T.Wall (@Official_Wall5) September 16, 2015
The 6'4, 200-pounder comes from the same program that produced the highly talented, so-far underwhelming 2013 prospect Dontre Wilson. Surely for the Buckeyes staff, their feelings on bringing Wallace into the program are very similar. You can't go wrong by bringing in another the very skilled No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and four-star player into Tim Beck's room.
Wade gets OSU mail
Sticking with the defensive back theme, Ohio State sent an awesome piece of mail to one of their top targets in the 2017 class yesterday. It was '17 CB Lamont Wade on the receiving end.
— La〽ont Wade (@Goony_38) September 16, 2015
Wade, a 5'10, 185-pounder from Clairton (PA), is graded as a four-star prospect and has gotten offers from many top programs. The Buckeyes will battle in-state programs Penn State and Pittsburgh, as well as others like Auburn, Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA, West Virginia, and Wisconsin for the fringe five-star player. Ohio State hasn't had the best success in the state of Pennsylvania recently, but as things stand now, you have to like their chances when it comes to landing Wade.