Final call on Kourt Williams

Ohio State’s 2020 class is very nearly there. With 21 commitments currently in the class, the Buckeyes are really only looking for a few more additions before closing down and heading into signing day with an excellent group. We know the names of players still out there, like Bijan Robinson and Jaylan Knighton, and we know the positions of need, like defensive line. We also know that a major domino could fall today, because linebacker/safety/bullet Kourt Williams has said that he plans to announce his pledge at some point today.

This announcement has been a long time coming. Williams has been on “commit watch” so to speak for weeks now, ever since he finished up his visits with a June 21 official visit to Ohio State, preceded by visits to Tennessee, Penn State, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Some thought he could commit to the Buckeyes on that visit, because they’re been the presumed leader for months now, but he decided to hold off.

Because of that, this past month has been, essentially, the waiting game. Williams has told reporters that he was still conflicted, and that he knew it was his time to make a decision soon. He’s said he wanted to commit before the season, then that he wanted to commit in July, and now, he seems ready to announce his choice.

Now, I think that this choice is considered to be a bit of a foregone conclusion by some Buckeye fans. I think that should be dispelled at least a bit. Williams has been legitimately torn for the last few weeks, and I think that Penn State and a few other schools have given him a lot to consider about. He had a great visit to Ohio State, but he also had great visits to his other top schools. The Buckeyes have been telling recruits to be sure of their commitments before they make them, and I think Williams absolutely took that to heart.

However, while he was conflicted, I don’t think he is anymore. I think that his relationship with Jeff Hafley wins out here, despite the best efforts of his numerous suitors. He doesn’t seem particularly caught up on leaving California, and Ohio State has done a spectacular job of convincing him that Ohio State is the best place for him to go to grow as a player and as a person, while also competing for national titles.

Because of that, and because of the aforementioned relationship with Hafley, who may be the best West Coast recruiter in the country, I think the pick for Williams will be Ohio State. If that is the case, Land-Grant Holy Land will have you covered from every angle, and let you know everything you need about the newest Buckeye.