The Buckeyes landed a huge commitment today from Florida standout Torrance Gibson and while it wasn't unexpected, the buzz it has caused around Ohio State's "Elite '15" is palpable.
SHOUTOUT TO THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY #AllBuckeye #Elite15 @quick_tg6
— Justin Hilliard (@JHilliard47) November 3, 2014
"Adding Gibson is huge," Buckeye commitment Alex Stump told Eleven Warriors. "He's an incredible athlete and it really solidifies our class as a Top 10 class. He's a great player and we will keep bringing the best players to Columbus."
Gibson, ranked as the country's third best "athlete" according to 247Sports.com's composite rankings, will start his Ohio State career at quarterback. The Buckeyes have made it clear to him he'll get that opportunity. Joe Burrow, the 2013 Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio, plays quarterback and committed to the Buckeyes in May. He says he too is looking forward to the chance to play alongside Gibson.
"Not only does Torrance committing give us a big boost in the national rankings, he could potentially influence some of the other guys we're looking for," Burrow said. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know him and having an athlete like that on our team. It helps everybody."
@quick_tg6 congrats my boy
— Carlton Davis III (@Carlton_Lowkey) November 3, 2014
The "Elite '15" is Ohio State's class nickname and their official Twitter account was abuzz today prior to Gibson's announcement, underscoring the importance of adding a player like Gibson.
man hope the bro @quick_tg6 makes the right move today then let's get after it with @HeaftyLefty @LC1era_ and @Damien_D1Harris
— Elite15 (@OSUElite15) November 3, 2014
Grant Schmidt, an Ohio State offensive line commitment from South Dakota, is also looking forward to the chance to line up with Gibson, no matter what position he ends up playing.
"I'm pumped to have him in the class!" Schmidt said. "He's a really great athlete and he'll be a guy who helps the class and the team a lot no matter what position he shakes out at."
Danny Clark, Ohio State's 2017 quarterback commitment, echoed that sentiment.
"Gibson is another great athlete,' Clark said. "I'm glad that he's a part of the family. Wherever the coaches decide to play him position-wise, I know he will be a great addition. I'm really glad to have him."
Huge congrats to @quick_tg6 for joining the family today!!! Pumped to have you bro #BuckeyeNation #Elite15 #WeDemBoyz
— Liam McCullough (@LiamMcCullough2) November 3, 2014
2015 Cleveland St. Ignatius defensive end Dre'Mont Jones hasn't spoken to Gibson previously, but he's looking forward to the talent he'll bring to the roster.
"I personally have never talked to Torrance," Jones told 11W. "But, I think he'll bring even more skill to the quarterback position and the roster as a whole."
Lineman Kevin Feder took to Twitter almost immediately following the decision. So did Ohio State commit Jashon Cornell.
Welcome to the fam @quick_tg6 #Buckeyes
— Six Nine (@Kevin_feder) November 3, 2014
S/O to my bro @quick_tg6 on his commitment to #BuckeyeNation #WeDemBoyz pic.twitter.com/gbFxMBcqrG
— Jashon Cornell (@JayRock_9) November 3, 2014
Gibson's commitment didn't just draw the attention of people already committed to the Buckeyes. Lawrence Cager says there's little doubt it will impact his decision.
"I've always liked Ohio State and they were always a top school for me," Cager told 11W. "There is no doubt that is has have some impact on me."
Damien Harris, long one the top targets on Ohio State's recruiting board, was quick to congratulate Gibson.
S/O to the bro @quick_tg6 on his commitment to OSU today!
— Damien Harris (@Damien_D1Harris) November 3, 2014
Eleven Warriors will have more recruit reaction throughout the day.