National Signing Day 2016: 4-star TE Luke Farrell signs with Ohio State

With the loss of Nick Vannett, who graduated and is currently getting ready for the NFL Draft in late April, it was very important for the Buckeyes to bring in some help at tight end. They virtually struck gold in that regard, as they were able to reel in commitments from two of the top ten players at the position. One of those -- '16 TE Luke Farrell of Perry (OH) -- officially signed on with Ohio State moments ago.

Farrell will come to the program with a tremendous opportunity to earn some playing time for the Buckeyes. Outside of Marcus Baugh, the position is full of inexperience, so if he does enough in camp to impress, the 6'6, 240-pounder has a chance to become the back-up over guys like A.J. Alexander, Rashod Berry, and fellow 2016 class member Jake Hausmann.

The Buckeyes were able to keep the Ohio talent in-state despite the efforts of Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin, and more. The four-star prospect publicly announced his commitment back on July 24 last year during Ohio State's annual Friday Night Lights camp.

Surely newly assigned TE coach Ed Warinner won't mind adding the seventh-best tight end in the country to his position room. Farrell also finished as the eighth-best prospect in the state of Ohio and the 190th overall prospect in the nation.

Scouting report

Luke Farrell has the slight edge in size (6’6, 240 pounds) over Jake Hausmann (6’4 ½, 230 pounds), which makes him a tougher blocker and more physical after the catch. Just like Hausmann, Farrell will get a shot to compete for the TE2 position behind Marcus Baugh.

As a blocker, Farrell uses his size to engage and drive the opposition backwards. As a blocker, Farrell may be more college ready than Hausmann. As a receiving prospect, Farrell does a good job of using his extreme size to his advantage. He is no burner, but he moves the chains. Farrell could be a good red zone target, as he has shown the ability to position his larger body against smaller defenders.

The Perry, OH product will be in the mix to challenge for the open TE2 slot and his college-ready size and blocking ability could give him the upper hand. - Christopher Jason

Highlights