Make no mistake, Fort Wayne, Indiana's Austin Mack is important to Ohio State's 2016 recruiting efforts. He and one his close friends, 2016 standout defensive end Auston Robertson, also from Fort Wayne, visited Columbus yesterday for the Buckeyes' 66-0 rout of Kent State.
"It was real fun," Mack said of the trip to Ohio State. "I got there early and got to see the guys on the team and everything. I got to talk with Coach (Urban) Meyer pregame, and our conversation was basically about Auston (Roberston) because Ohio State is about to offer him. I spent all pregame on the sidelines, and that was cool. The fans were crazy, I didn't think they'd turn out like that for a game that was likely not going to be close."
As Ohio State ran through, and over, Kent State, Mack got a chance to see an offense he says he could definitely be a part of.
"The offense was really executing well," he said. "They threw the ball a bunch! You can tell JT Barrett is going to be really good, and he'll keep competing. He's a dog, that man can do whatever and it's cool to think he could be my quarterback if I went to school there. For sure, I can see myself playing with those guys. Hanging out with some of them after the game was my favorite part of the day."
Perhaps the most important element in any recruitment, the relationship with your position coach, is one area Ohio State's efforts with Mack are paying dividends. The relationship with Zach Smith is one of the best Mack has with any coach.
"Me and Coach Smith just have this connection," Mack added. "We both just want to win. Before the game he and I were just messing around. He's real easy to talk with and we get along great."
After experiencing a noon game atmosphere against Kent State, Mack (and Robertson) will turn square off this Friday night in Fort Wayne as Wayne (Robertson) and Bishop Luers meet on the football field. The next day, they'll be back to friends and traveling once again to Columbus.
"We'll be back in Columbus for the Cincinnati game," he concluded. "I'm looking forward to the atmosphere for a night game. Can't wait."
