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After officially signing his letter of intent with Ohio State on Wednesday, the next step for three-star offensive lineman Gavin Cupp is running onto the Ohio Stadium turf in the Scarlet and Gray as a member of the Buckeye football team.
When you think of the Buckeyes' 2016 class, Gavin Cupp might not be the first name to pop into your head, but his recruitment was definitely one that kept Ohio State fans on the edge of their seats. Like many Ohio born athletes, Cupp, a Leipsic native, grew up rooting for the Buckeyes. Although he originally verbally committed to suit up for the Michigan State Spartans, things changed in a hurry.
After deciding to make the trek to Columbus last summer to participate in the annual Friday Night Lights Camp held by the Ohio State staff, MSU pulled his scholarship offer off the table, making the 6'5, 280-pound standout a free agent. With his future up in the air, Ohio State made Cupp's dream a reality nearly a week later, and offered him a chance to be a Buckeye.
While some would have jumped on the chance to play at OSU immediately, Cupp played it cool and took time to think it all the way through, but in the end it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, as he verbally committed just days later after receiving his scholarship from the Buckeyes' staff.
According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Gavin is the 40th offensive tackle and 411th overall prospect in the class of 2016. An All-Ohio selection, Cupp might not be the highest-rated lineman on the Buckeyes' roster, but has the skill set and strength to become a force up front for OSU in the years to come.
Scouting report
"Gavin Cupp has a solid measurables for a lineman, standing at 6'5, 270 pounds. He played left tackle in high school, but will have to transition to right tackle or guard at the collegiate level.
Cupp plays with the nastiness that coaches love and finishes his blocks. As a run blocker, he does a good job of using his hands to lock on and drive his opponent backwards. Cupp played as a standup defensive end in high school and showed off a quick first step, which will only help his progress.
The Leipsic, OH product might be a bit of a project; however, he has the tenacity, the body type and the base skillset to eventually see time at Ohio State." - Christopher Jason
Highlights