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Ohio State will be looking to replace a few guys that started on the offensive line last year. Taylor Decker, Jacoby Boren, and Chase Farris will all try their luck at the next level after graduating from the university, so it was vital that the Buckeyes restocked the cupboard with more slobs. Undoubtedly, the addition of '16 OG Tyler Gerald, who has already been on campus since mid-January, was a big one.
For Ohio State, they were able to lock this one up relatively early, which is why Gerald's offer list may not be the most jaw-dropping. Gerald committed to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes back in June of 2014 and at the time, he only had offers from Kent State, Toledo, and Virginia Tech. However, after his commitment to Ohio State, schools like Alabama, Florida State, and Penn State tried to jump into the mix by sending offers to the 6'5, 300-pounder, but to no avail.
Instead, Gerald stuck with his commitment to the Buckeyes and the four-star talent is already getting acclimated to the life of an Ohio State student-athlete. Gerald, who originally attended Sciotoville (OH) before transferring to IMG Academy (FL), was graded as the eighth-best guard in his class and the 162nd-overall player in the country.
As mentioned above, the door is open for Gerald. He is an early enrollee to the program and the Buckeyes are doing a major reshuffle on the offensive line. The goal for the Portsmouth, Ohio native should be a simple one -- crack the two deep for newly hired OL coach Greg Studrawa.
Scouting report
The IMG alum has the ingredients to be a household name at Ohio State. Gerald is an offensive line coach's dream, as he blends size (6'5, 300 pounds), strength, and nastiness. He will most likely be a staple at guard for multiple years in Columbus.
Gerald is a terrific run blocker. He is perfect for Urban Meyer's power run scheme and plays nasty like Logan Mankins. He is a true throwback who finishes his blocks. Gerald's physicality translates over to his pass pro, where he uses his arms well, but will need more coaching in that department.
Overall, Gerald is another player who is on the cusp of competing for a spot in the two-deep and only helped himself by enrolling early. - Christopher Jason