Buckeyes offer two top 2022 prospects

It’s been over a week now since the completion of Ohio State’s great showing in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but the Buckeyes and their coaching staff seem to be still reeling in the benefits.

The one constant during this life without live sporting events has been OSU recruiting. Pulling in top national targets at a record pace, the chase for the top 2021 class looks to be an attainable reality. While the rest of the world seems to be on hold, the Buckeyes coaching staff has done everything they can to make not only this current cycle one for the ages, but also get a head start on 2022 as well.

Recruiting isn’t as easy as the Buckeyes make it seem, but Ohio State has been a top program in the country year after year because of the classes they have put together, and also their ability to develop that talent. According to 247Sports, a five-year study of which programs are the best at development put the Buckeyes at No. 2 in the country. They also ranked No. 1 in the nation in the percentage of Top247 players drafted, coming in at a whopping 63.8 percent.

The ability to get their players to the NFL may trump any other recruiting pitch, and with all that the Buckeyes have going for them, the success isn’t going to be stopping any time soon. In fact, it may get even better if that’s even possible.

As the NCAA moves in the direction to allow players to benefit from their likeness financially, Ryan Day and staff have already begun to show why Columbus may be the best destination to help players promote their personal brand. With a fan base like the Buckeyes have, players would flourish in every area — including financially, of course. With all of the reasons just mentioned, it’s no surprise why the recruiting success is at an all-time high with even more room to improve in the near future.

Looking for the next great DB

Since 2013, every single Ohio State cornerback has been drafted into the NFL, with this past season’s both becoming first round selections last week. A feat that gives the Buckeye defensive backs their Best in America (BIA) name, the ultimate recruiting pitch Kerry Coombs can give prospects is his track record with getting his players to the top level. It’s a strategy that needs no explanation, but if one was needed, Coombs has the insight from both college and NFL coaching experience to back up his theories.

Finding the next great defensive back to carry on the streak of greatness is priority number one for Coombs, and with 2021 well underway, Ohio State can get a head start on the 2022 class. Yesterday, the staff took a step in that direction when they sent out an offer to 2022 Georgia native, Marquis Groves-Killebrew.

A 6-foot, 180 pound cornerback, Groves-Killebrew has all of the tools and intangibles to be a shut down corner at the next level, and several of the nation’s best programs have already taken notice. With nearly 30 offers from the likes of Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, LSU, and a host of others, Ohio State may not be early to the party, but surely their presence will be welcomed with open arms.

Though it’s early, Marquis checks in as the No. 10 corner in the country, the eighth-best player in Georgia, and the 64th best player overall in the 2022 class according to 247Sports’ rankings. An elite four-star defensive back with two full seasons of prep ball to develop his game, Marquis will easily be one of the most sought after recruits for his position.

When it comes to Ohio State, all they really need to do is show him exactly what has been mentioned earlier. Show the track record and lay out the blueprint of success that many have already benefited from. It may sound biased, but in terms of whether or not the Buckeyes will be a player in his recruitment moving forward... well, that should be a given.

Texas OT receives Buckeye offer

Staying busy on the recruiting trail per usual, Ohio State also sent out another offer to Texas native, Cameron Williams. A class of 2022 offensive tackle, Williams may still have two years of high school, but checking in at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, he already has the frame of a major college football offensive lineman.

Currently, Williams owns over 20 offers from the likes of Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, and now Ohio State. In addition to his impressive offer list, the three-star prospect checks in as the No. 31 best offensive tackle for the class and the 54th-best player in Texas for 2022. With OSU now in the race, coach Studrawa will have ample time to build a strong relationship with Williams if he is a top priority for their haul in the next cycle.

Quick Hits:

• Per the latest ESPN recruiting rankings update, current 2021 commit Jantzen Dunn saw his stock increase greatly, as he went from being un-ranked to the 183rd best player overall and the top player in Kentucky. Ohio State’s top remaining offensive line target, J.C. Latham, also received a rankings boost courtesy of ESPN, jumping all the way to the No. 9 player in the nation from his previous 79th-best ranking. The Buckeyes are the leader for Latham on the 247Sports Crystal Ball, but it’s not yet a done deal by any means.
• Marcus Bradley, the nation’s No. 10 defensive tackle, and who holds an Ohio State offer, is set to announce his commitment later today at 2 p.m. While the Buckeyes have been a big player in his recruitment, signs currently point to Bradley winding up with the hometown Terrapins.