Ohio State has been on a fantastic run of momentum on the recruiting trail, even after losing to Miami (Fla.) for the services of Chicago Kenwood Academy four-star Marquise Lightfoot (6-5, 220).
First the Buckeyes picked up two four-star commitments on the same day from the same Cleveland Glenville high school in cornerback Bryce West (5-11, 177) — the top prospect in Ohio — and four-star tight end Damarion Witten (6-4, 215).
Eight days later Ohio State landed perhaps the best defensive tackle in the country in a surprise win, securing a pledge from Chicago St. Ignatius five-star Justin Scott (6-4, 310).
Now at 17 commits, with the right pieces to round out the class, the Buckeyes could contend with Georgia for the No. 1 spot atop the 247Sports composite team rankings. They already boast the highest average rating per recruit (93.70). And in fact, landing enough of its targets that have already scheduled commitment dates could pave the road.
July and August will be the months that can transform Ohio State’s class into something truly special.
Kicking things off is Chandler (Ariz.) Basha four-star cornerback Miles Lockhart (5-10, 185). Ranked 365th overall in the composite and eighth at corner, Lockhart would be a quality depth complement to West. He isn’t even the team’s top target at the position announcing in July, however.
On July 30, the Buckeyes will find out if they’ve beaten Michigan in a battle for the second-best prospect in Ohio behind West, who Michigan also made a heavy push for. Springfield four-star Aaron Scott (6-0, 170), the No. 52 prospect in the country regardless of position and No. 5 corner, will make his collegiate intentions known.
Between those two cornerback dates another target at corner will make his decision, though signs point to him going to USC. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star Zabien Brown (6-0, 180), the No. 61 prospect and sixth-best corner in the country, makes his choice July 9.
But there’s another more important California-based prospect announcing on July 23 that Ohio State is in the running for.
Bellflower St. John Bosco four-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (6-3, 230) announces his collegiate intentions that day. The nation’s No. 7 linebacker and No. 102 prospect overall has been the top priority of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and graduate assistant James Laurinaitas for quite some time, and will choose between the Buckeyes, Notre Dame and USC.
After that jam-packed July, the first week of August could bring the crown jewel of Ohio State’s defensive back recruiting class. Buford, Ga. five-star safety KJ Bolden (6-1, 185), the No. 1 safety in the country and No. 6 overall prospect, announces on Aug. 5. The cousin of Ohio State safeties coach Perry Eliano, Georgia is the primary threat to the Buckeyes for Bolden’s services. Alabama, Auburn and Clemson are also heavily involved.
Just more than two weeks later, Ohio State will have a shot to land another five-star defensive prospect in Bolden’s teammate at Buford, defensive lineman Eddrick Houston (6-3, 255).
Needless to say, it could be a very fruitful couple of months for Ohio State recruiting.
