Get to know Sunbury, Ohio, Big Walnut four-star linebacker Garrett Stover, who signed with Ohio State on Wednesday.
Height, Weight: 6-0, 195
247Sports Composite Rankings: Stover is rated as the nation’s 105th-best player, ninth-best linebacker and fifth-best player in Ohio.
Commitment Date: Stover committed to Ohio State on Nov. 21, 2022.
Other Offers: Akron, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh.
How He Did In High School: In his first season at Mike linebacker, Stover totaled 89 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one pass deflection and one blocked punt. His efforts earned him first-team All-State honors along with an invitation to the 2024 All-American Bowl on Jan. 6, 2024.
Where He Fits For 2024: Stover, the cousin of standout Ohio State tight end Cade Stover, wrapped up his first year at Mike linebacker, having spent his junior season playing at the Will and his previous years at safety. While he did excel in his new position, his relative inexperience may hinder his chances of getting on the field next season, where he will enter a crowded and talented linebacker room.
Veteran linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are both likely leaving the program, but the Buckeyes still have a load of talent at the position with Cody Simon announcing his return and C.J. Hicks presumably taking another step in his development in his third season with the program. With those players, along with Nigel Glover, Gabe Powers and Arvell Reese filling up the linebacker room, Stover will likely be on the on the outside looking in as far as playing time is considered.
