After almost two years of non-stop recruiting, Woodbridge (Va.) 2015 offensive lineman Matthew Burrell, Jr. has committed to the Buckeyes.
I will be recieving my degree and competing for a national championship @ The Ohio State University #Buckeyes !!
— Matthew Burrll Jr! (@HeaftyLefty) November 18, 2014
"He loves Coach (Zach) Smith and Coach (Larry) Johnson," a source close to Burrell told Eleven Warriors.
The Matt Burrell File
- Size: 6-5/300
- Position: OG
- Class: 2015
- School: C.D. Hylton (Woodbridge, Va.)
- Composite Rank: 5 (OG)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
That love was enough for Burrell to choose the Buckeyes over offers from Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Penn State and others. The Buckeyes, Volunteers and Nittany Lions were his final group. He's the country's 5th-ranked offensive guard and a composite Top 100 player.
The third offensive lineman in the Buckeyes 2015 class, Burrell is a guard in Ohio State's offensive plans. Identified early by Urban Meyer and his coaching staff as a priority, it was that Burrell's relationships in Columbus that held off a late surge by James Franklin and Butch Jones. Larry Johnson, Sr., Urban Meyer and Zach Smith each played a part in securing what is arguably one of the most important players in the class. Burrell's value is not exclusively linked to his on-the-field ability, but he's also a person the Buckeyes' staff believes can be a pied piper of sorts. He's charismatic, hard-working and a leader who people follow.
I'm officially one of the #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/CAmp87Mykq
— Matthew Burrll Jr! (@HeaftyLefty) November 18, 2014
Burrell visited Ohio State multiple times during his recruitment, including an official visit on September 6th.
"The decision was made over the last year, really," Matt Burrell Sr., the prospect's father told Eleven Warriors following his choice. "After the unexpected loss last Friday, and his high school career came to an end, Matt Jr. took an open mind and took hold of his future and committed. He wants his degree and the pursuit of championships at The Ohio State University."
Matt Burrell highlights via Hudl
How did Ohio State, after two years respond to the surprising Monday night news?
"There was a deafening uproar from the staff," his father added. "They were very surprised and very happy."
The US Army All-American said it was Ohio State's consistency and dependability throughout his commitment that stood out to him. Oh, and the guy in charge.
"Urban Meyer, Urban Meyer, and Urban Meyer," Burrell said about what Ohio State had that other opportunities didn't offer. "He's a great leader, a great father and a great man. Ohio State has been there since the beginning, they offered me my sophomore year, and they've never changed. Zach Smith has never changed, and even when Larry Johnson, Sr. became my lead recruiter, he never changed. Coach Johnson is the same as he was when recruited me for Penn State."
Over the summer, Burrell had expressed that he'd like to know his future position coach, Ed Warinner, better. He did, and what he saw was as reassuring as his relationships with others.
"Coach Warinner came out to see me play this year," Burrell added. "I didn't even get to talk to him, but just seeing him there in the endzone, I could tell that he was who he seems to be."
Burrell, now a Buckeye, is ready to sign his name on the dotted line and get to work. He won't be graduating early, family is important to him and he's not about to cut short his last year of being home.
"My little brother just started school this year," the guard said. "I can't leave him early, but I'm excited to get to Ohio State and get to work."
