In the run-up to the Michigan State game, Ohio State received some good news: Joshua Norwood, a three-star cornerback from Valdosta (Ga.), has committed to the Buckeyes, becoming the 20th member of the class of 2015.
The Norwood File
- Class 2015
- Position CB
- Size 5-10/175
- School Valdosta (Valdosta,Georgia)
- Composite ★★★
- Rank No. 142 (CB)
A 5-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback from Valdosta (Ga.), Norwood decommitted from Cincinnati after receiving an offer from Ohio State on Oct. 8. He set up this weekend's visit while still committed to Cincinnati, whose staff seemed resigned to his departure. "Yeah, I told the staff at UC," Norwood said. "They didn't have much to say about it, I think they understand."
In addition to Cincinnati and Ohio State, Norwood held offers from Duke, Minnesota, and Purdue.
Norwood is the 20th member of the "Elite 15" recruiting class. 247Sports lists him as the 142nd-rated cornerback in the 2015 class, and every major recruiting website pegs him as a three-star prospect. Star ranking aside, he's a player coveted by the Buckeyes for more than just his on field attributes. He's a quiet, confident young man with a good head on his shoulders and a penchant for doing the right things off the field as well.
The decision to join the Buckeyes was made easier following his recent official visit.
Officially committed to The university of Ohio State
— Prince J (@the_wait_) November 5, 2014
"The visit was great, it's a great environment there," Norwood told 11W. "I really enjoyed the game and meeting the players."
In addition to playing football, Norwood is a member of Valdosta's track and basketball teams and currently holds the school record in the 110m and 300m hurdles.
Joshua Norwood highlights via Hudl
Unlike many Elite 15 commits, Norwood has not performed in front of the coaching staff at an Ohio State camp. The staff has been watching him closely this season and scrutinizing his senior year film. His team, Valdosta High School, is 7-2 and one of the top teams in Georgia.
With Norwood, Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class now has six defensive backs. He is the fifth prospect from Georgia in the last three recruiting classes, joining defensive standouts Vonn Bell and Raekwon McMillan among others.
"I am really excited to be a part of the program!" Norwood told Eleven Warriors right after announcing his commitment. "I talked to Coach Coombs, he was excited."
