Buckeyes look to bring more members of the Sunshine State to Columbus, OH.
Ohio State’s players have already started their winter off-season workouts and Urban Meyer and his unit have hit the recruiting trail non-stop since the season’s end in full pursuit of the 2017 class and beyond. Whether it be in-home visits with 2017 kids or extending offers to 2018 and 2019 kids, it’s hard to keep track of the Buckeye coaching staff.
Getting an early start
The world of college football moves fast, and the fastest moving part may be the coaching cycle. Yesterday, Ohio State proved that to be true when the newest member of the staff, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, hit the recruiting trail.
Thanks for stopping by today Coach Wilson @OhioStateFB #OH pic.twitter.com/mcPwFfZT7I
— Coach Alex Mathis (@alexmathis) January 19, 2017
Along his path, no stop may have been more important for building the future than checking in at Frederica Academy (Ga.) — the home of the top ranked 2019 receiver prospect, Jashawn Sheffield. Sheffield, while only a high school sophomore, is no new name to Buckeye recruiting followers. In fact, you would think the was a seasoned veteran with how often his name is in the headlines.
A future composite five-star, Sheffield has the 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame that will continue to grow. Mostly linked to Florida State and Clemson, according to the 247sports crystal ball, the instate Georgia Bulldogs have really been hard after Sheffield as of late. With so many top programs pitching their best to Jashawn, it’s anyone’s race, but this recruitment will certainly be a marathon to the finish rather than a sprint. Fortunately, the Sheffield and Ohio State love affair is in good shape with only room to grow the relationship even closer.
⭕️ https://t.co/cYRPNQDZ1g
— Jashawn Sheffield (@Jashawnsheff) January 19, 2017
Coaches head back to Columbus of the South
When you strike gold in the past at a given location, it’s not uncommon to go back again—and maybe again after that. When it comes to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Ohio State seems to be there on the regular. Pulling top prospects at St. Thomas Aquinas, Urban Meyer knows exactly what he’s doing when recruiting the talent from the Sunshine State.
Yesterday, Ft. Lauderdale was a topic of interest again as a new offer went out to 2019 safety prospect Josh Sanguinetti. Josh, a current sophomore at University School (Fla.) is listed 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and has the frame Greg Schiano loves for his safeties. With Ohio State’s track record of sending an insane amount of defensive backs to the NFL last year and in this upcoming NFL Draft, it’s not hard to see why prospects covet the OSU offer.
Blessed to receive an offer from the Ohio State University ⭕️ ⚪️ #gobuckeyes @Corey_Bender @HamiltonESPN @UNCLELUQ @coachwb45 @RyanBartow pic.twitter.com/nOins8ELwa
— J.Guwop (@J3_era) January 19, 2017
As things currently stand, Josh holds offers from the likes of Miami, Mississippi State, Pitt and most recently, Big Ten powers Wisconsin and Ohio State. With top programs coming to check out Sanguinetti with each passing day, don’t be surprised if more offers come flying in. Luckily, Ohio State has already started with their interest and can start to build a strong relationship between the two parties.
Two is better than one
If one offer was sent out, then another needed to follow. As stated above, Ohio State had a strong presence in Ft. Lauderdale yesterday when they visited University School. With their visit, not one, but two offers were sent out. This time, the offensive side of the ball was the target as they handed out an offer to running back prospect, Kenny McIntosh.
Truly blessed to say I've been offered by The Ohio State University #GoBuckeyes @UNCLELUQ @coachwb45 @RyanBartow @Corey_Bender @HamiltonESPN pic.twitter.com/cCNldhJ9E9
— Blueprint#1 (@dattboikenny) January 19, 2017
McIntosh, another 2019 prospect of University School is listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds and has not only the size, but the running strength of a bruiser at running back. Currently, Kenny sits with 14 scholarship offers with his most recent being Ohio State. Other notable schools to throw their hat into the ring are Alabama, LSU, Miami, Florida State and Wisconsin.
Ohio State certainly isn’t late to the party in offering McIntosh, but there is already a strong presence of recruitment going on for the star running back. Looking back at this NFL season and seeing former Buckeye running back Ezekiel Elliott and his successes in his rookie season. Urban Meyer and Ohio State may not need to say anymore than just that.
Dropping in to see the future
While Urban Meyer was in Florida yesterday extending offers to some of the top young talent in Ft. Lauderdale, he also had time to make a stop and see one of his many prize recruits in the 2017 class when he was able to see St. Thomas Aquinas 2017 receiver Trevon Grimes.
I use to pray for times like this... pic.twitter.com/LQVnprM0ss
— GrimeTime™ (@TrevonGrimes7) January 19, 2017
The Buckeyes receiving corp has been in the headlines nonstop lately, but good news outweighs the bad when you can recruit like Meyer. Grimes may not be in Columbus right now as an early-enrolled student due to an ACL tear and recovery, but it’s no secret he can’t wait to get back up to Ohio State and begin his career for the Buckeyes.
While Ohio State may be hot on the trail to bring in one more receiver for the 2017 recruiting class, they know exactly what they are getting in Grimes. Trevon has easily been a top receiver in the country during his prep career and after a full recovery from his ACL injury, looks to be exactly the same in Scarlet and Gray.
Quick Hits:
Ohio State received a “preferred walk-on” commitment from Hudson, Ohio native Alex Beck.
According to scout.com, Ohio State will host Edina, Minn. prospect Quinn Carroll for junior day on Jan. 28.