Ohio State welcomes 4-star LB Solomon Tuliaupupu for visit

Tuliaupupu arrives in Columbus

We are now just one day away from Ohio State’s annual spring game showdown in Columbus, which also means a major recruiting weekend is on deck for the Buckeyes. But before that comes about, Ohio State welcomed 2018 inside linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu, who made his way from California and arrived at Ohio State yesterday evening, to campus to check out what the Scarlet and Gray have to offer.

Tuliaupupu is a four-star prospect and received 31 offers including some of the nations very best programs. When schools like Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA, USC and many, many more are in pursuit, it says all you need to know about the Mater Dai (CA) standout and the third highest graded player at his position.

With all of that being said, the 247Sports Crystal Ball currently pegs the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder to stay in Cali and suit up for Clay Helton and the Trojans in Los Angeles. This visit is a big one if the Buckeyes want to stand any realistic chance in this race. Otherwise, it may be a situation much like ‘18 inside linebacker Palaie Gaoteote — a big-time Ohio State target who would instead choose USC.

Mitchell updates recruitment

Sticking to the linebacker position, it was just six days ago that ‘18 inside linebacker Teradja Mitchell was on campus for a visit with the Buckeyes. The visit shifted the thoughts for some on where he may end up, which originally widely favored Florida State.

On Thursday, Rivals.com’s Adam Friedman caught up with the five-star prospect to speak about that very visit to Ohio State and got the inside scoop on the recruitment for Mitchell.

The first time I went down to Ohio State I didn't really get a feel for it because it was a game and there were so many people," Mitchell said. "I didn't really get a chance to talk with many of the coaches. This time around I got to talk to the coaches, get a good feel for the program and saw what it was all about. I liked their approach towards me because they didn't just talk about football. They talked a lot about life after football. It's a great school and great public university not even considering the football part.

The Bishop Sullivan Catholic (VA) talent continued by telling Friedman that he spent time with Bill Davis, Urban Meyer and Zach Smith. He also was able to talk with cornerback Wayne Davis and defensive end Jalyn Holmes, who ultimately did what the Buckeyes hope Mitchell does -- leave the state of Virginia and come play for Ohio State.

Mitchell, the No. 2 inside linebacker in the class, relayed to Friedman that Ohio State is indeed in his top five along with Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and LSU. The 6-foot-2, 232-pounder also stated that he is hoping to commit in the next couple of months and that every school is tied for his services at this time.

Perhaps the biggest thing to take from the chat with Mitchell is that he is expecting to visit Florida State again next month. For now, Ohio State seems to be in the lead and it’s not surprising that Mitchell didn’t reveal that, but no matter the case, they have to outlast that visit to Tallahassee because the Seminoles seem to be the primary competition.

Quick Hits

• According to Bill Greene of Scout.com, ‘18 offensive guard Fredrick Scruggs of Cathedral Prep (PA) has Ohio State and Penn State on top for now. The four-star prospect will likely not make a decision any time soon as he has future visits lined up.
• ‘18 cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who was an Ohio State target, did as was expected on Thursday when he committed to Florida State.
• ‘17 wide receiver Elijah Gardiner, who signed with Ohio State in February, will make his way up to Columbus to check out the spring game on Saturday.