Ohio State recruiting: Latest updates with 2020 running back search

Tomorrow, the Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action as they host the in-state Cincinnati Bearcats. Adding more intrigue to the game is that an Ohio State alum and former interim head coach, Luke Fickell, is in charge of the Bearcat program. All of that is old news to anyone who follows Ohio State football. What is more important is looking good on the field for an entire four quarters. Rather than just a “fast start” as Coach Day mentioned multiple times this week. The goal for Saturday is to sustain momentum and keep the foot on the gas.

While the Buckeyes will look to impress on the field, the staff will have their sights not only set on Cincinnati, but on their top recruits as well. The recruits will be on hand for the in-state battle. Recruiting never ends for Ohio State—even on game day.

OSU looking South offering Georgia 3-star

Stop us if you’ve ever heard this before: There’s been yet another development in the running back search for the class of 2020. Weekly, there’s something new coming up and it probably will stay that way until the Buckeyes do land their guy (or two) at the position. Day answered questions this week about the running back situation and he said they are “full”. They would only need a guy if someone went pro after the season. He also mentioned that because of the position, they will “always” recruit running backs.

Yesterday, the staff proved the “always” statement when they offered three-star Georgia native Jahmyr Gibbs.

A 5-foot-11, 195-pound all-purpose back. Gibbs is the 10th best at his position for the current cycle and also checks in as the 39th best player in an always talented Georgia. The interesting and key piece here is that Gibbs is currently verbally committed to Georgia Tech and has been since May. It’s hard to tell what will become of this recruitment between Ohio State and Gibbs. One thing that stands out is how great a start to the season Gibbs is having.

When looking at Gibbs’ offer list, Ohio State is arguably the most notable school pursuing his talents. Considering most top programs have their running backs already in the fold, Ohio State could possibly make a strong push for the Georgia back. Before things really progress though, expect Ohio State to do their best to get him on campus for a visit in the coming weeks. Though committed to the Yellow Jackets, a visit would show whether or not his commitment is solid. A visit will also prove if he’s interested in what the Buckeyes have to offer. Time will tell, but of course, here’s another name added to the list of running back prospects in 2020.

In-state running back will be on campus Saturday

Keeping with the trend of running backs, the good news for Ohio State is that an in-state four-star, Michael Drennen II, will be back on campus this weekend for the Cincinnati matchup. Ohio State’s staff knows that any time they can get a top remaining target on campus, regardless of his location, is huge for their chances. For Drennen, he’s no stranger to being at Ohio State. The staff has made him a priority, and while his recruitment has had some winds and turns along the way, the Buckeyes are still in the thick of things.

A good visit this weekend will only help the Buckeyes efforts on this one, and Drennen is obviously a player they would love to add to their 2020 class.