Doug Nester decommits from Ohio State, flips to Virginia Tech

The Ohio State Buckeyes were a victim of the flip on National Signing Day, as four-star offensive lineman Doug Nester chose Virginia Tech over the Buckeyes. Nester was a verbal commit to OSU since Aug. 5, 2017, but the retirement of Urban Meyer played a role in his decision to play in Blacksburg, Virginia, instead of Columbus.

From Huntington, West Virginia, Nester is the second best prospect from the Mountaineer State and sixth best offensive guard, according to 247sports, in the 2019 class.

It’s a big miss for the Bucks—but in recent weeks, it was to be expected. Nester looked elsewhere since making an official visit to Ohio State on Jan. 18. He was at Penn State on Jan. 25, and had a coaches visit from the Nittany Lions a week later. Then, on Feb. 2, he visited Virginia Tech. The rest, as they as, is history.

So, what exactly will Ryan Day and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa lose by not having Nester on the team? Take a look at the Land-Grant Holy Land conducted when he committed to the program:

[Scouting Report] As a sophomore two seasons ago, Nester started for, and dominated on, his high school team at tackle and guard, on his way to a state title game appearance, and recognition as a First-Team All-State lineman. Now as a senior, he’s finished his high school career as a three year starter and one of the most dominant linemen in the country. You really don’t get much closer to game ready out of a freshman lineman than Ohio State will with Nester.

One of the most impressive things about Nester’s game is his ability to play both guard and tackle, despite standing at 6’6 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, prototypical tackle measurements. To have the agility and mobility at that size to play both guard and tackle is both impressive and tantalizing for an offensive line coach like Greg Studrawa.

His skill, as of right now, is mainly based on his incredible strength, and ability to block for the run. He has great pad level, knows how to use leverage to his advantage, and knows quite a bit about schemes, which shows up in his game. His team doesn’t do a lot of passing, much like 2017 Ohio State signee Josh Myers, but Nester’s aggression, strength, and intelligence should make it very easy for Ohio State to mold him into a complete player.

We wish Doug the best at Virginia Tech!