Recruiting
Ruckert named Gatorade POY: There’s no drama for Ohio State surrounding the commitment of five-star tight end Jeremy Ruckert. He’s solid.
Ruckert was named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year on Monday. The Lindenhurst, N.Y., tight end had 61 receptions for 1,094 yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior season, helping lead his team to an unbeaten record and a Division I Long Island Championship. Ruckert also had 61 tackles and 13 sacks on defense.
2019 WR has Buckeyes in his top six teams: Ohio State is busy trying to put together the final pieces of its 2018 recruiting class, but steps are also being taken for the 2019 and 2020 classes. The Buckeyes found out Sunday they’re in the running for one of the top receivers in 2019. Jordan Whittington — a four-star receiver from Cuero, Texas — announced a top six list that includes Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Florida, Oklahoma and UCLA.
Early OSU offer for in-state tackle: Ohio State put out an early in-state offer to 2020 offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson, from Cincinnati St. Xavier, took an unofficial visit to Columbus over the weekend.
The Buckeyes don’t usually offer Ohio prospects this early, unless it’s clear that they’re going to be among the best players in the country — i.e., Carman, Jaelen Gill and Zach Harrison.
Johnson could end up being that caliber of player. But he also holds an offer from Clemson, and that can sometimes force Ohio State’s hand.
Ohio State, when it can, would prefer to watch in-state players develop some more before offering scholarships this early. The Buckeyes also want to avoid young in-state players committing right away just because it’s Ohio State. But the staff saw fit to get in early on a player who could end up as the top prospect in Ohio by his senior year.