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Back in February, Ohio State picked up a surprising early commitment from 2018 safety Jaiden Woodbey of St. John Bosco (CA). The high four-star prospect initially chose the Buckeyes over offers from Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, and more.
Since deciding on the Scarlet and Gray, however, the 6'2, 204-pounder has received offers from the likes of Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, and Oregon. Combine that with the revved up pursuit from both the Trojans and the Sooners and some believed that Woodbey, the nation's third highest-ranked safety, may be wavering on his pledge to Ohio State.
However, Woodbey made a stop in Columbus last Friday for the Buckeyes' annual Friday Night Lights event. The visit was a lengthy one and it ultimately was about as positive of a visit as Ohio State could have hoped for, as Woodbey is seemingly set on his decision to commit to head coach Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.
This place is special... Recruitment shut down.. 100% Buckeye ⭕️ #S1VER8ULLETS pic.twitter.com/9I75P8hGtZ
— Jaiden Woodbey (@JaidenWoodbey) July 26, 2017
With his recruitment now in the rear view, Woodbey can put his focus towards his senior campaign with the Braves. The goal at hand for the Ohio State pledge is a simple one: defend their CIF Open Division State Championship that they earned last season by taking down De La Salle (CA). Another thing Woodbey can turn his attention to is helping Ohio State build on an already impressive recruiting class.
Hooker, Rogers get Buckeye offers
Another prospect that was in attendance for last week's Friday Night Lights event in Columbus was 2018 CB Marcus Hooker of New Castle (PA). It's a last name that should be very familiar to the Ohio State faithful. Marcus is the younger brother of former Buckeye and current Indianapolis Colt Malik Hooker, and now he has a chance to follow in Malik's footsteps.
I'm extremely blessed to receive a offer from The Ohio State University!! ⚫️ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/i4uaAsZkFm
— Marcus Hooker (@marcushooker23) July 27, 2017
Hooker had a chance to impress in front of the Buckeyes' coaching staff and he did just that. The three-star Keystone State prospect now holds an offer from the Scarlet and Gray to go along with opportunities from the likes of Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia, and more. As expected, it didn't take very long for a bevy of 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions in favor of the Buckeyes to arrive. Ohio State is now the favorite and that should surprise no one. I imagine this will pop sooner rather than later.
Just like Hooker, class of '20 OG Justin Rogers of Oak Park (MI) was also in the building on Friday. Coming into the event, Rogers had already acquired offers from 11 programs including Boston College, Kentucky, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and more.
Prior to his arrival at the camp, I noted on Twitter that Rogers was one who would be on offer watch. On Wednesday, that came to fruition as the Great Lake State prospect announced on his Twitter account that Ohio State had upped his offer count to 12.
I am blessed and honored to receive an offer from Ohio state University #Buckeyes ⭕️⭕️ pic.twitter.com/yT5XPcbAg3
— Hollywood #52 (@JustinR61966954) July 26, 2017
From the looks of it, Rogers seems to be a surefire highly-touted prospect in his class. With the Buckeyes jumping into the mix, I would imagine both major in-state schools for Rogers — Michigan and Michigan State — won't take much longer to follow suit, probably as soon as this weekend.
Griffith planning visits before decision
Ohio State has had their fair share of success at IMG Academy (FL) in the past. The program has seen guys like Malik Barrow, Tyler Gerald, Isaiah Pryor, and Marcus Williamson head to the Buckeyes in recent years. Not to be forgotten, defensive tackle Taron Vincent, who currently attends the school, is already in the fold for Ohio State’s top ranked 2018 recruiting class. But could they be bringing another current Ascender to Columbus to join him?
According to SB Nation’s Bud Elliott, ‘18 CB Houston Griffith will be making another stop to the Buckeyes' campus before ultimately making his decision on where he will attend college. Griffith has been at Ohio State several times, with his stop back in June being the most recent.
DB @___HG3 says he'll visit FSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State before deciding. @Tomahawknation @LGHLRecruiting @BSDtweet @CornNation
— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) July 26, 2017
As you can see from Elliott’s tweet above, Griffith will also take trips to Florida State, Nebraska, and Penn State as well. It will be interesting to see what happens here. But what we do know is that the Seminoles are the favorite as of today. FSU has picked up 93% of the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for the four-star Sunshine State prospect.
Either way, with the Buckeyes already having ‘18 CB Sevyn Banks on board, the fact that they are in strong position for five-star cornerback Anthony Cook of Lamar (TX), and their latest offer to the aforementioned Marcus Hooker — I don’t see Ohio State as a major player for Griffith at this time.
Quick Hit
- Ohio State hosted ‘19 OT Logan Brown, ‘20 OL Dallas Fincher and ‘19 DT Mazi Smith for a visit on Wednesday. The trio currently attends East Kentwood High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.