5-star WR Garrett Wilson signs with Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes will need receivers for 2019 and beyond, as an exodus is expected after the Rose Bowl. Fortunately, the Bucks got a great one in five-star wideout Garrett Wilson, who signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

According to 247sports, Wilson is the No. 2 WR and No. 2 Texas prospect in the class. Regardless of position, he’s considered the 16th best in the country. Holding over 30 offers, including from the likes of Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and Notre Dame, Wilson chose the Scarlet and Gray.

In the quest for the Lake Travis standout, the Buckeyes have their highest-rated offensive recruit in the class, according to 247sports. Wilson grades out as a five-star with a .9922 rating; the Bucks’ second highest commit on that side of the ball, offensive lineman Harry Miller, grades out at .9845.

[Scouting report] The 6-foot tall, 185-pound wideout isn’t a finished product by any means, but in terms of high school receivers, he’s as fluid and natural as they come. Wilson is an explosive and smooth route runner, that consistently sets up and blows past defenders like a pro. Defending him with press coverage is a mistake, because he has incredible speed and knows how to use his hands at the point of contact.

His route tree isn’t super advanced, but it’s nothing worth worrying about. When it comes to running routes and creating separation, he’s Big Ten ready now. His hands are a similar story. Wilson is a hand catcher, which is exactly what coaches love to see. He attacks the ball, both on the run and in the air, on slants, jump balls, and everything in between.

He’s deceptively strong for how small he is, and will only get better at jump balls and contested catches after a couple years in Mickey Mariotti’s dojo. The only real knocks on Wilson are his lack of size and his lacking route tree, but he more than makes up for it with athleticism and body control, specifically in the red zone.

Wilson will never be a jump ball, go-up-and-get-it kind of receiver, but he’s a true number one receiver, that can abuse defenses with his strong hands and fluidity. The game is already starting to slow down for him at 17 years old, and his ceiling is future top-five receiver in all of football. He’s a stud.

Here’s some of the highlights from Wilson’s junior season, as posted to Hudl.