Defensive back target takes self-guided tour of Ohio State

Spring football is underway, and Ohio State football strapped up the pads yesterday for the first time. With three of the 15 allotted practices already completed, the coaching staff and players are in full swing as they do their best to develop the youth on the roster and keep the veterans at full strength pushing for the fall. Not quite the same thing as real game action, it’s just great to see the Buckeyes on the field and going full speed. Seeing the talent on that roster bodes well for this 2021 season that can’t get here quick enough.

2022 DB gives himself a self-guided OSU tour

Certainly a new aspect in recruiting due to the pandemic, players from across the country have not been able to officially visit the schools of their choice for the better part of a year now. Due to the in-person recruiting dead period, these players have taken it upon themselves to visit their schools of interest on their own dime, and head to campuses all over the nation knowing full well they won’t be able to speak to the coaching staffs or see the facilities. College programs are more than happy to have these players on their campus, but of course wish they could play host and actually be able to meet with them.

The Buckeyes have seen these visits take place more than a couple times now, and each has been pretty successful. In fact, Ohio State’s most recent class of 2022 commit, Kyion Grayes, was the latest to give himself a self-guided tour of Columbus, and ended that visit by committing to the Buckeyes back in February. Though it looks like June will be the first time in over a year recruits can finally get back to official visits, Ohio State and other programs will surely not have any issue with their top targets taking initiative and seeing the sights on their own.

On Thursday, Ohio State was once again on the receiving end of a campus visitor when Florida native Ryan Turner (Hollywood, Florida/Chaminade-Madonna Prep) made it known that he was in Columbus to check out the school. The 2022 cornerback may not have been able to see Ryan Day or Kerry Coombs in person, but surely the staff was in touch with him with helpful guides for what to see and where to go. Whether it’s the academic buildings, residence halls, or just the city in general, this kind of visit can really give a detailed look at what it’s like to spend your college years in Columbus, and that’s usually beneficial for the Buckeyes.

Turner is one of the defensive players that is starting to become increasingly linked to Ohio State. While his current rank as the No. 33 corner in the 2022 class doesn’t jump off the page, the offer list he has compiled of nearly 30 schools and the Buckeyes’ clear interest are enough reason to believe he’s an Ohio State caliber cornerback. Thinking of it this way, the situation seems similar to that of Brian Hartline wanting Grayes in the fold when his ranking was a lot lower than it currently is could. It wouldn’t be a total surprise to see his stock really increase before signing day.

As the staff likely narrows it down to taking one more cornerback in this current 2022 cycle, Turner looks to be a name worth paying close attention to at this time. This visit could be a key factor in this recruitment, as he’s clearly interested enough to travel all the way from Florida to Columbus on his own time and dime.

Quick Hits

• Earlier this week, five-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen hinted that a top eight list would be coming soon. As the No. 2 player in the country overall, the Buckeyes will likely make the list, but odds are definitely against Ohio State in this one. Nolen looks to be a player who will stay in the south, and while Ohio State and Larry Johnson certainly can’t be counted out for any defensive line prospect, Nolen to Columbus doesn’t seem to be in the cards unless something serious changes.