Grad transfers could beef up offensive line
3 linemen could move to Ohio State after receiving degrees.
Ohio State is finished adding high school recruits for 2019, but that doesn’t mean Ryan Day is done forming his first roster.
Offensive line depth is still a concern for the new head coach, and the Buckeyes have been connected to a trio of graduate transfers who would be eligible this fall.
The latest to join the fray is Parker Braun, a two-time All-ACC guard from Georgia Tech who told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he is trying to set up a visit to Ohio State.
Both academics and athletics have led the 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior-to-be to decide to finish his career elsewhere, according to the paper.
With head coach Paul Johnson retiring, the Yellow Jackets will be installing an offense new coach Geoff Collins has described as “NFL-based” to replace Johnson’s triple-option attack.
Since Braun would have had to learn a new offense whether or not he stayed at Tech, his next step on the educational ladder might have as much or more influence in his decision to move on.
After graduating in May with a degree in literature, media and communication, Braun is interesting in pursuing a master’s in liberal arts such as anthropology, but he is not satisfied with the options in that field presented by Georgia Tech.
Braun, who said he might like to be a professor when his football career is over, was a 247Sports Composite three-star prospect at Hallsville High School in Texas three years ago, when he chose the Ramblin’ Wreck from an impressive offer list that included Ohio State.
In his new recruitment, Braun has already been to the University of Florida, is planning to visit the University of Texas and potentially Auburn as well.
Seeing a need to bulk up, Braun said the strength program would be a big factor along with grad school programs and the coaching staff in picking his next destination.
Because he is on the small side for a typical (non-triple-option) offensive guard in today’s college football, Braun said playing center would be a consideration at his new school.
That likely would not hurt his value to Ohio State, where left tackle Thayer Munford is the only returning full-year starter.
Wyatt Davis, a sophomore who
started the last two games at right guard for the injured Demetrius Knox, is a presumed starter while the No. 1 contender for left guard appears to be senior Brandon Bowen, a starter two years ago before suffering a broken leg.
Josh Myers, a third-year sophomore from Miamisburg, is penciled in to replace All-American center Michael Jordan while senior Josh Alabi should get the first crack at replacing Isaiah Prince at right tackle.
Behind that group, junior Gavin Cupp is the only one of seven scholarship players who is not a redshirt or true freshman.
Ohio State has hosted Rutgers transfer Jonah Jackson, and Virginia transer R.J. Proctor is planning a visit during the first weekend in March, according to a report by BuckeyeGrove.com. Proctor started 11 games over the past two seasons for the Cavaliers. He visited Texas last weekend and reportedly is also being pursued by Florida State, Oklahoma and Houston.
Jackson, who is also considering Oklahoma, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick last season. Contact this reporter at 937225-2396 or email Marcus. Hartman@coxinc.com.