:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58051091/Max_Wray_SB_Nation_Recruiting.0.jpg)
Four-star offensive tackle Max Wray couldn’t deny the opportunities playing at Ohio State would create, and after flipping to Ohio State from Georgia earlier in the year, he made things official during the Early Signing Period and faxed in his National Letter of Intent.
TN➡️OH
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2017
Big man @maxwray10 is officially a Buckeye! Welcome to the family!#GoBucks #Supreme18 #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/JxljEUD4tw
The 6’6, 289-pound OT out of Franklin, Tennessee is the No. 9 ranked player at his position, and No. 3 overall player out of the state, according to the 247Sports Composite. He held offers from most of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and even his home-state team, Tennessee.
His decision to change his commitment from the Bulldogs did not come lightly, and once he made that decision, he was all-in for the Buckeyes. He told Land-Grant Holy Land that he was taking online courses to be able to enroll at Ohio State early — all part of his plan to contribute right away.
Well, me and Coach Studrawa are really tight. He’s an awesome guy and a really good coach. I’m really excited to work with him in the future. They basically told me, though, that they want me to come in and participate and compete as early as I can. They gave me an opportunity and it’s up to me to work for it.
The newly minted Buckeye could also be the first of two Wray brothers to end up playing football at Ohio State. Max’s younger brother Jake also plays OT, and despite only being a sophomore, is a beast at 6’5, 290 pounds. Never too early to look at the 2020 recruiting class, the Buckeyes hosted Jake during Max’s visit for the Oklahoma game, and could add another set of brothers to the Scarlet and Gray legacy soon enough.
Scouting Report
Wray likely didn’t face many players that could match up to his 6’6, 289-pound frame in high school, but Ohio State’s NFL-sized line could require him to redshirt and bulk up as a freshman before vying for playing time. Wray played right tackle in high school and displayed uncanny athleticism and flexibility for a player his size. He routinely won at the line of scrimmage with hand placement and strength.
Wray’s devastating ability to block down and create gaps in the run game will fit right in with the Buckeyes’ power-spread run scheme. His frame and ability to move in space could prove to be scary after a few off-seasons in the Buckeyes’ strength and conditioning program.