Three things we learned about Ohio State recruiting last week
COLUMBUS — Ohio State held its first two spring practices last week and with it, the Buckeyes also had recruits on campus.
In total, there were about 20 prospects who made their way to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center last week. Ohio State picked up a commitment for its 2024 class, made some headway in a couple of recruitments for 2025 prospects and continues to foster relationships elsewhere.
Lettermen Row reflects back on the week with three things we learned about the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts.
International Boom
Ohio State seemingly was finished with its 2024 class when it signed four-star Painesville (Ohio) Riverside defensive lineman Dominic Kirks in February.
At least we thought the Buckeyes were done.
2024 Melbourne, Australia, punter Nick McLarty visited Ohio State on March 5 and March 7. He’s a towering figure and at first glance, you wouldn’t have thought he was a punter. No, literally, he’s 6-foot-7, 255 pounds and punishes the football.
Ohio State punter commit Nick McLarty (provided)
McLarty committed to the Buckeyes on Friday morning and is expected to be the final piece for the 2024 class. He will be on campus this summer and is expected to compete for the starting punting job ahead of the fall.
EDGE board expands
Ohio State sent out two new offers to 2025 edge rushers last week. One was expected, one was a pleasant surprise, but a good one.
Four-star Indianapolis (Ind) Warren Central EDGE Damien Shanklin and three-star Frankfort (Ky) Western Hills EDGE Javeon Campbell both visited Ohio State on March 7 and headed home with offers.
Both edge rushers spoke with Lettermen Row about the offers.
On Shanklin.
“God’s giving me the chance and I’m just accomplishing my goals,” Shanklin said about earning the offer.
Shanklin spoke with a few of the Buckeyes’ current players after practice including defensive ends Caden Curry and Joshua Mickens — both are Indiana natives — and freshman cornerback Bryce West. Those conversations, paired with watching practice, were critical for the 6-foot-4.5, 215-pound edge rusher.
“When I first got there, I just felt bought in from the start,” Shanklin said. “When I got there everybody treated me well, it was just really chill.”
On Campbell.
“It means a lot,” Campbell said, choking up during the conversation. “I don’t know how to put it into words.”
Priority Target Locks in Spring Visit
Ohio State has already finished two of its 15 spring practices and plenty of recruits have already visited campus as well.
Multiple sources have confirmed with Lettermen Row that four-star Olney (Md) Good Counsel safety Faheem Delane will visit Ohio State on March 30. Delane is the No. 36 overall prospect and the No. 6 safety according to the On3 Industry Rankings. On3 has Delane as the No. 118 overall prospect and the No. 11 safety.
Ohio State has been considered the longtime favorite for Delane and he’s dished out multiple times why the Buckeyes are at the top.
2025 elite safety Faheem Delane (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)
Ohio State has a long list of visitors for March 30. Along with Delane, key defensive targets will be on campus. London Merritt, Trent Wilson, Riley Pettijohn and Jonah Williams all will be in Columbus that weekend. That practice on the 30th is Student Appreciation Day, one of the most looked-forward practices of the spring.
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