Ohio State closing in on three major prospects

There are a couple commitments that seem to be on the horizon for Ohio State. The first is four-star 2021 DT Tyleik Williams, who plans to announce his decision Thursday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. ET. Based on a few cryptic tweets from other Buckeye commits, along with some recent 247Sports Crystal Balls for Ohio State added to his profile, all signs point to a “BOOM” coming this evening.

The second is 2022 TE Bennett Christian from Georgia, who has narrowed his decision down to Ohio State and Tennessee, and plans to announce his choice school on Monday, Sept. 1. Christian has two Crystal Balls for Ohio State, however the fact that his father used to play for the Vols may have some sway in his decision. Christian is the No. 19 TE in his class and the No. 31 player in Georgia.

If Christian commits, the Buckeyes will still be looking to add one more TE to their 2022 class, and Benji Gosnell out of Pilot Mountain (N.C.) East Surry could be it. Gosnell announced his top three over the weekend, which includes Ohio State, North Carolina and Florida.

Gosnell— who is the country’s No. 257 overall 2022 prospect, No. 11 tight end and the No. 8 prospect in North Carolina— told Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts that he’s aware Christian will be announcing his decision on Sept. 1, and Ohio State is the likely candidate.

“That won’t impact me at all, Ohio State wants two tight ends,” Gosnell said.

Gosnell told Zack Carpenter of Eleven Warriors that Ohio State likes the diversity he brings to the position.

“They really think I’m complete with edge blocking and between the tackles blocking and running outside of the tackles. Route running, hands, getting mismatches in one-on-one, whether it be outrunning a linebacker or the size differential between me and a safety or corner. They really like my diversity and my overall complete ways of playing.”

He even told Carpenter that Ohio State is “definitely” his No. 1 choice right now.

“I mean, shoot, the better question would be why not Ohio State? My relationship with Coach Wilson kicked off maybe last March. When we started Zoom, we were talking all the time. I called him at least once or twice a week. Always got to talk to him. Super genuine guy and knows what he’s talking about. He’s had great success everywhere he’s been. He’s taught guys like Rashod Berry now with the New England Patriots, (Jeremy) Ruckert is probably gonna be one of the best tight ends in the country, Luke Farrell on the Mackey Award watch list. (Wilson’s) success speaks for itself and the culture they have at Ohio State, man, it’s unlike any other. Coach Day’s a great person. He’s a fighter as a coach, he’s a leader as a coach. It’s a top program, and I love everything about Ohio State.”

While he’s been on a few virtual visits, Gosnell intends on making a trip to Columbus to “get a feel for the city,” according to Birm of Lettermen Row. However, due to the ongoing dead period, he won’t be able to actually spend time on campus or meet any coaches.

“I’m not big on having to see campus and things, but I would like to see the place I commit to before I pulled the trigger,” he told Lettermen Row. “I just need to be there one day and I think I’ll have a feel for it.”

Quick Hits

• There won’t be any Ohio State football this fall, so if you’re looking to fill the void with some good ole fashioned high school football, Steve Helwagen of Bucknuts shared where Ohio State’s in-state commitments will be in action this fall. Check the schedule out here.