Ohio State plays host to top 2018 prospects

After landing a verbal pledge from a prospect such as four-star defensive lineman Tyler Friday, some college programs may have taken the weekend off to celebrate.

Ohio State is not one of those schools.

Picking up their 22nd commitment of the 2018 recruiting cycle on Friday, the Buckeyes coaching staff got right back to work in trying to secure other top senior recruits to jump aboard Ohio State’s star studded group of future players.

Playing host to a pair of prospects on official visits, the Buckeyes didn’t land multiple pledges over the weekend, but did help themselves move one step closer in doing so.

Want to know what class of 2018 recruits made the trek to Columbus? Land-Grant Holy Land has your back:

4-star OT Rasheed Walker

Town: Waldorf,MD/North Point

Size: 6’6/300

Offers: Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Etc

Breakdown: Walker, who plans to announce his college destination next month on national signing day, has been on the Buckeyes radar for quite awhile. One of their top lineman targets throughout the process, the Maryland native would look perfect in the Scarlet and Gray. While some think the U.S. Army All-American will end up Columbus, Big Ten foe Penn State is doing everything in their power to make sure that doesn’t happen. Did the visit push the Buckeyes out in front? We’ll find out soon.

4-star OLB Javontae Jean-Baptiste

Town: Oradell,NJ/Bergen Catholic

Size: 6’5/215

Offers: Ohio State, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Etc

Breakdown: The Buckeyes coaching staff offered Jean-Baptiste earlier this month. A newer target on the Ohio State radar, he can play linebacker or move down to defensive end, a position much needed depth wise. Although they’re thought to be the leader for his services, the Buckeyes might have to wait until signing day to land a “BOOOOM” from the New Jersey standout.

2019 DB names leaders

The Buckeyes are well on their way to closing out the 2018 cycle with one of the top overall classes in the country. With just a few weeks left until the unsigned seniors put pen to paper, that doesn’t mean the Ohio State staff isn’t trying to secure commitments from underclassmen.

Sitting pretty with a long list of junior prospects, another highly sought after high school talent has named the Buckeyes among his current leaders.

Taking to his Twitter page to release the news, class of 2019 four-star safety Jaylen McCollough is considering to suit up for either Ohio State, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, or South Carolina on the college level.

McCollough, who attends Hillgrove High in Powder Springs, Ga., has visited most of the schools on his list. Leaving the Peach State to watch the Buckeyes in action, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder made it to the Ohio State campus for Ohio State’s matchup with Penn State in October.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Jaylen, an All-State selection, is currently considered the fourth safety, and 59th overall prospect in the country.