Since his arrival at Ohio State, Urban Meyer's made recruiting the offensive line a priority. Don't believe me? Let's go to the numbers.
In 2012, Meyer – in three months on the recruiting trail – nabbed Taylor Decker, Joey O'Conner, Kyle Dodson and Pat Elflein. In 2013, the Buckeyes missed on a number of key targets, but still signed Timothy Gardner and Evan Lisle. The 2014 class inked Brady Taylor, Demetrius Knox, Jamarco Jones, Kyle Trout and Marcelys Jones, a five-man haul that has up to this point, seen two of the five play as true freshman. Already, with the possibility of adding two more in 2015, the Buckeyes have commitments from four more lineman.
Meyer loves offensive line depth. That much is clear. With the possibility of 17 in his first four recruiting classes in Columbus, Meyer's stated goal of restocking the line at Ohio State appears to have been satisfied. With a pair of the country's best tackles inside their own borders for 2016, and Tyler Gerald already committed, who — and how many — will the Buckeyes look to for February of 2016?
LIAM EICHENBERG // ST. IGNATIUS (CLEVELAND, OH)
The top target remaining on Ohio State's list in the state is Liam Eichenberg. The country's 10th-ranked offensive tackle, Eichenberg is a pure left tackle with a great frame capable of carrying 30 more pounds without risking a drop off in athleticism. Offered as a freshman by the Buckeyes, Eichenberg has offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State and others but most believe this is a Buckeye and Fighting Irish battle.
One catch? The Wolverines. Look for whomever their next coach is to quickly try and re-establish a relationship with Eichenberg, who at one time had listed Michigan as his leader. The chance to play early is very important to Liam and the Buckeyes are likely to be replacing 60-percent of their offensive line — including their left tackle — in his freshman year.
JAUAN WILLIAMS // ARCHBISHOP CARROLL (WASHINGTON, DC)
While the Buckeyes would love to get back into the mix for Cincinnati Elder's Tommy Kraemer, that's unlikely. Because of that unlikelihood, it seems that Jauan Williams, who also visited Columbus this past weekend, could be their next big target behind Eichenberg.
Williams and his family chose to stay in Columbus a second day this past weekend in lieu of traveling home right after the game and Ohio State feels they're in good shape at this time with the nation's ninth-ranked tackle. Florida, Penn State and of course Maryland are likely to play a role in his recruitment before it's said and done.
PRINCE SAMMONS // CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (CINCINNATI, OH)
Prince Sammons is raw, but Prince Sammons is going to be really good, whether at offensive tackle or on the defensive line. I personally think that his 6-foot-8, 280-pound frame is ideal for the offensive line and that's where I believe he'll make his mark in college and into the NFL.
Although he's focused heavily on his junior season rather than recruiting, Sammons was very active over the summer, checking out most of his top schools and picking up offers along the way. He's collected scholarships from Georgia, Alabama, Louisville, Penn State and roughly a dozen more, but most still think it's a traditional three-team-Midwest battle for the budding star.
MICHAEL ONWENU // CASS TECH (DETROIT, MI)
When you're trying to recruit your biggest rivals home state, getting in early with a scholarship offer is important. That's what Ohio State did when they became the first of now five schools — Illinois, Miami, Michigan and North Carolina State being the others — to offer Michael Onwenu, the next big thing from Cass Tech.
Versatile and athletic, Onwenu could play along the line on either side of the ball, but most project him as a nasty offensive guard. He's currently ranked fifth in the country for 2016 at that position, and is the third-ranked player in Michigan. Can the Buckeyes' early interest and offer pay off? Ohio State's got a developing pipeline in Detroit, and he could be one of the next to cross the border.
THIYO LUKUSA // TRAVERSE CITY WEST (TRAVERSE CITY, MI)
Don't look now, but Michigan is well represented along the offensive line in 2016. Four-star tackle Thiyo Lukusa is a big fan of Ohio State and is planning a second weekend long stay in Columbus (he visited in July) for mid-January. At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, he's got prototypical size and could become your prototypical Big Ten road-grader.
He's made no bones about it: Lukusa wants to play for a winning program and right now Michigan State, Ohio State and Notre Dame are out in front for the country's 25th-ranked tackle. Initially thought by most to be a likely Wolverine, Lukusa will no doubt have serious interest in whatever coaching changes happen in Ann Arbor. The question is, will it be too late for Michigan to make up the ground they've surrendered to the Buckeyes, Spartans and Irish?
MICHAEL JORDAN // PLYMOUTH (PLYMOUTH, MI)
Another Michigan option is tackle Michael Jordan, who checks in as the country's 24th-rated prospect at his position, directly ahead of the aforementioned Lukusa. As it stands, Jordan has three offers: Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State. He's visited the Buckeyes and Spartans twice each this football season and he's been to Michigan for three separate games.
6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, Jordan is almost considered a "late-bloomer" by today's ridiculous recruiting standards, but he's developing into a big-time prospect. He lists no leader, but the Wolverines are my early pick for Jordan. The Buckeyes are very interested and are no doubt in the mix.
GAVIN CUPP // LEIPSIC (LEIPSIC, OH)
Although he's the least-heralded of the list, don't sleep of Leipsic's Gavin Cupp. 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Cupp plays tackle for the Vikings, but could project inside for college and that alone makes him worth watching in a tackle heavy year. Yes, the Buckeyes have already landed Gerald, but the interior line depth isn't quite as set in Columbus as the tackles are.
With offers from West Virginia, Illinois, Toledo and Bowling Green and recent visits to Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State, Cupp is on the verge of becoming a national prospect. Hindered a bit by questions about the level of competition he faces, Cupp is likely to need a summer camp showing before a Buckeye offer could be presented, but don't be surprised at all if he earns one. The kid can play.
