Ohio State recruiting: The list for Friday Night Lights continues to grow

With today marking less than a week until the opening of Ohio State’s fall camp and tonight the headline event of Buckeye football recruiting with Friday Night Lights, there is zero rest for the football staff. As a celebrity style list of prized prospects head to Columbus, Ohio, Urban Meyer and his gang look to flex their recruiting muscles as they show off every aspect they have to offer. With the success Friday Night Lights has brought each year, there would be little to no surprise at all if a commitment, or two, were to happen.

Bucks to host 2019 star LB

It’s no secret at all that the main priority for the football staff is securing the best 2018 class they can, but make no mistake about it, this staff is looking toward 2019 with attention as well. With how successful 2018’s class already is, it’s important to keep this momentum rolling.

Yesterday, Land-Grant Holy Land was able to confirm it to be true when 2019 linebacker Shane Lee (Baltimore, MD/ St. Frances Academy) let us know that he would in fact make it to Columbus for the infamous Friday Night Lights camp. Not originally on the attendance list, this addition is full of star power as the 2019 prospect is considered to be the third best inside linebacker in the country and the second best prospect in the entire state of Maryland.

The 6-foot, 240-pound force already has nearly 15 offers. With schools such as Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State among others knocking at the door for his services, the early leader, however, is thought to be the Nittany Lions of Penn State. Fortunately, the Buckeyes have been able to call their shot at the linebacker position over the past few recruiting cycles and if they want Lee bad enough, this visit may just start to get the ball rolling.

Michigan’s strong presence in Columbus is okay

Normally, Ohio State fans want little to nothing to do when it comes to their rivals to the north. However, in recruiting, one of the sweetest battles won is going into rival territory and stealing a prized recruit from under their nose.

Of the many Michigan-natives on hand tonight, Land-Grant Holy Land was able to get the inside scoop of 2019 defensive back Art Herndon III (St. Joseph, MI/ St. Joseph) and his latest feeling about Ohio State.

“I’m excited about the competition that I’ll be facing at FNL,” Herndon said of the event. “I’ll be up against some of the top guys in the country and I could really solidify my name as one of the top corners in Michigan and possibly the country.”

While coach Kerry Coombs was taking the lead on Herndon’s recruitment, the communication lines haven’t been active recently.

“Coach Coombs and I have talked a couple of times since my visit this past spring, but since then we haven’t had much contact,” Herndon said.

Easily a top corner in the class of 2019, many of the reasonings behind the quietness between the two parties is strictly the focus on the 2018 class. However, with Herndon already visiting Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Michigan,and Michigan State, it’s easy to see why he will be a serious priority in the years to come. Fortunately, having Herndon back on campus with his father bodes well for Ohio State and continuing to build a strong relationship.

What’s the scoop here?

Yesterday, there was a bit of confusion regarding a top prospect who will be in Columbus for the day. Originally thought to be camping at the headliner recruiting event of the year, 2018 five-star defensive end KJ Henry (Clemmons, NC/West Forsyth) was in Columbus to check out Ohio State on an unofficial visit, but the real reason for him being in the Buckeye State is because of a 7-on-7 with his high school football team.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound weak-side defensive end is currently listed as the second best prospect at his position and also the second best player in all of North Carolina for the 2018 recruiting cycle. With nearly 30 offers, it seems just about every top program in the country has their eye on Henry, but Clemson is thought to be the clear cut leader in this recruitment. While Henry is not camping this evening, he saw what the campus has to offer, but unless something drastically changes, with Ohio State’s already loaded 2018 defensive line and their expectations to land one or two more close related guys, there may not be anything too serious to see with this unofficial visit.

However, in recruiting, never underestimate Urban Meyer and Ohio State.

Quick Hits:

• 2019 4-star RB Kenny McIntosh (Ft. Lauderdale, FL/University School) is a late addition to the FNL Camp this evening.
• 2019 4-star WR DeMarrco Hellams (Hyattsville, MD/DeMatha Catholic) got into Columbus yesterday for FNL.
• Serious Buckeye lean, 2019 offensive guard, Zeke Correll (Cincinnati, OH/Anderson) makes the short trek to Columbus today. Could he be on commitment watch?