Ohio State offers speedy 2019 4-star wide receiver

Urban Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff are always searching the recruiting trail high and low for top prospects to bring into the fold to help the Buckeyes chase championship titles for years to come.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Buckeyes offered a four-star wide receiver from the class of 2019 a chance to suit up for the Big Ten power.

Adding Ohio State to a scholarship list of over 20 offers, which includes the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, California, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Notre Dame. Preparatory (AZ) standout junior Jake Smith has now locked in a opportunity from Meyer and the Buckeyes.

Coming off a huge season, Smith, currently the 40th wide receiver and 229th overall prospect in the entire class of 2019, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, put up eye popping numbers through the air and on the ground to help Notre Dame Prep finish the year with a final record of 13-1.

A threat to reach the end zone nearly every time the ball is in his hands, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder hauled in 33 receptions for 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for another 1,135 yards and 11 scores as a junior for the near state champion Saints.

Want to see what caught Ohio State’s eye? Check out Jake Smith’s junior season highlights, via the team at Hudl:

2018 DL to announce this week?

The Buckeyes picked up the commitment of Tyreke Smith at the Under Armour All-America game, and could have another class of 2018 defensive lineman joining the fold very soon.

Per a report by Brian Dohn of 247Sports, Don Bosco Prep (NJ) four-star prospect Tyler Friday could announce his college plans as early as this week.

“It should be this week. He has a video he is going to release. He will sign in February.” Tyler’s father, Sam, told Dohn.

“When I will talk to him again, I will get everything together.” He’s at school. He is doing a video so it should come this week.” The elder Friday added.

Once thought as a Michigan lean, things have changed for Friday. Taking official visits to UM, OSU, and Alabama, all signs currently point towards the 6-foot-3, 263-pounder giving his verbal pledge to Urban Meyer, Larry Johnson and the rest of the OSU staff.

Pegged by many as a defensive tackle, if Friday does select OSU, he will get his shot to crack the Buckeyes depth chart at defensive end, a position of need for the Ohio State defense.

Will Friday be the next Buckeye commitment? Stick with Land-Grant Holy Land for the latest.

Nix commits

Recruiting is a lot like football. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. Ohio State learned that on Wednesday.

Surprising no one, class of 2019 four-star quarterback Bo Nix spurned coaching staffs at Ohio State and Clemson. Nix will attend Auburn, the school that his father, Patrick, attended.

“I chose Auburn because I felt like it was the best fit for me and I feel like it will be a place where I can grow as a person, player, and student.” The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Pinson Valley (AL) junior stated to AL.com on his decision to verbally commit to the Tigers.

The Buckeyes might have a locker room full of talented signal callers, but that doesn’t mean they’re done trying to add to the position going forward.

With around a year left in the process, and Nix now off the table, the Buckeyes coaching staff will shift their hunt for a 2019 quarterback fully to prospects such as Grant Tisdale, Max Duggan and others.

Quick Hits

• Chris Holtmann and the Ohio State basketball squad offered four-star power forward E.J. Liddell on Wednesday. A class of 2019 prospect, the 6-foot-7 Illinois native offer list now consists of not just OSU, but also the likes of Florida, Marquette, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas State to name a few.
• After recently picking up offers from Ohio State, Clemson, Michigan State, and many more, Cincinnati St. Xavier class of 2020 offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has now added Michigan to his growing list of scholarships.