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With most of your attention on Ohio State’s matchup with the Spartans of Michigan State, you might’ve missed out on some of the latest recruiting recruiting news surrounding the Buckeyes.
Don’t worry Land-Grant Holy Land is here to save the day!
Buckeyes offer former UK pledge
Always looking to bring talent to Columbus to help the Buckeyes chase championships, Urban Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff handed a scholarship offer out to a former University of Kentucky verbal pledge on Friday afternoon.
Announcing his opportunity to suit up for the Big Ten power via his Twitter page, three-star cornerback Jay Ward is now the latest class of 2019 prospect OSU has set their eyes on in hopes of adding him to their next haul of future Buckeyes.
ALL GLORY TO GOD ......Extremely Blessed and Honored, to receive a offer from The OHIO State University ⚪️ #GoBuckeyes @CCPackersFball @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/Y0hj0T9xVD
— JAY WARD (@JWARD_4) November 9, 2018
Picking up recruiting momentum since jumping ship from the Wildcats earlier in the week, the Moultrie, Ga., native has been linked to not just OSU, but LSU and Florida—two programs he’s recently visited on the recruiting trail.
Currently considered the 90th cornerback and 912th overall 2019 prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Ward has accounted for nearly 40 total tackles, and three interceptions for the Colquitt County (GA) Packers as a senior.
OSU lands walk-on pledge
While Ohio State might still be in the mix to land class of 2019 five-star defensive end Zach Harrison, it was another Zach from Olentangy Orange that announced on Friday that he will continue his education and football playing days at OSU.
Stating “I can’t say thank you enough to everyone who’s helped me get where I am today, to my family my coaches, my trainers, and my friends. I’m excited to take this step in my life and pursue a non-scholarship opportunity with the Buckeyes! This is only the beginning.” Zach Stevenson, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound senior offensive guard will join the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on starting next season.
I’m incredibly excited to announce I’ve officially committed to continue my athletic and academic career at THE Ohio State University!! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/W69SdLXMlW
— Zach Stevenson (@Zsteve76) November 9, 2018
Although Stevenson might not be a five-star rated prospect like his teammate Harrison, he did hold a number of next level opportunities before deciding to link up with the Buckeyes. Akron, Butler, Carleton College, Denison, Oberlin, Saint Anselm and Wheeling Jesuit are just a handful of the programs that tried to add Zach to their roster throughout the recruiting process.
Stevenson might not be guaranteed playing days on Saturday, but has shown a solid skill set during his time with the Olentangy Orange Pioneers. See what he’ll bring to the Buckeyes with these highlights brought to you by Hudl: