Elite RB has Ohio State at No. 1

Ohio State has already been able to secure one elite RB in its 2018 recruiting class and it appears that the coaches are looking to add at least one more. Their efforts are paying off as one of the country’s best at the position has the Buckeyes as his top overall school.

Maurice Washington (San Jose, CA / Oak Grove) competed in the prestigious United Stars Showcase in Illinois this past weekend and showed why many believe he could become one of the top running backs in 2018. After the event, the four-star RB spoke with Gus Ramos of Illini247 and told Ramos that Ohio State was his No. 1 overall school.

Washington’s statement was not surprising as the Buckeyes have been more active in recruiting him than any other team. He unofficially visited the school in June and after a successful visit, Ohio State followed with a scholarship offer. The Buckeyes are just one of four teams to offer the California star, but expect that number to rise in the coming year.

Washington, who Ramos said “showed flashes of brilliance,” is currently seen as the No. 11 RB in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and is the country’s No. 247 overall recruit. Along with Ohio State, the 6-foot, 175-pound back holds offers from LSU, Missouri and Washington. However, he is also being recruited by Notre Dame, Georgia, USC and Utah.

Expect the Buckeyes to try and get Washington on campus at least one more time this year as he would make an excellent fit alongside four-star Buckeye RB Brian Snead.

Top Ohio State QB commit reaffirms commitment

The cornerstone of Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting class has to be quarterback Emory Jones (Franklin, GA / Heard County). The five-star QB committed to the Buckeyes this past summer and has been on Ohio State’s campus numerous times. His commitment to Ohio State hasn’t been under much question until recent, as Jones has been much more active in his recruitment in the last month.

Alabama, Florida and Florida State have all been paying more attention to Jones since his commitment, with Alabama making the strongest push of the group. Despite this, Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports spoke with Jones after the camp and he stated he is still “solid with Ohio State,” however, he also told Wiltfong that he liked the aforementioned schools as well.

Just earlier this month, Alabama offered Jones a scholarship and the program hosted him on an unofficial visit this past weekend. Combined with the surplus of talent Ohio State has on its roster at the QB position, some are beginning to wonder if Jones is wavering on his commitment, despite his consistent reaffirmation.

While this certainly isn’t good news for the Buckeyes, the program is still the clear favorite. As well, it isn’t surprising Alabama is making a strong push for Jones, as he is one of the top prospects and the school has yet to earn a commitment from a QB this year.

Also in the Buckeyes favor, Jones has been recruiting for Ohio State lately and told Wiltfong that he wants to help the Buckeyes bring in the top-rated recruiting class this year, taking the crown from Alabama.

Jones is reportedly returning to campus for the Buckeyes spring game on April 15.

Ohio State offers rising OT

The Ohio State coaching staff has put an emphasis on the offensive line in this year’s recruiting class. The program received good news last week when rising three-star offensive tackle Rafiti Ghirmai (Frisco, TX / Wakeland) listed the Buckeyes in his top-ten schools before extending him an offer.

It appears Ohio State is just as interested in Ghirmai as he is in them. Late Monday night, he took to Twitter to announce he had received a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.

While Ghirmai is only seen as a three-star prospect, his list of offers and schools showing interest in him is as good as it gets. Along with Ohio State, he listed Alabama, LSU, Florida, TCU, UCLA, Oregon, Georgia, Michigan and Texas in his top ten.

It is expected that the 6-foot-4, 290-pound OT will soar up recruiting databases rankings in the coming year.