The Hurry Up: Robert Landers' Ceiling, 2018 OL Will Lawrence, Richard LeCounte's Big Talent on Display and More.

BREAKING DOWN ROB LANDERS COMMITMENT AND CEILING

Last night was a good night for the future of Ohio State football. Ohio State reeled in commitment number 24 for 2015, Huber Heights (Wayne) defensive lineman Robert Landers. While his ranking may leave Ohio State feeling unsatisfied, the discussion in and around Landers, his senior season and his future, should quell some of those concerns.

"Listen, we love this kid's game," one source close to the Buckeyes said. "Yeah, we got in a little bit late but that's not because we didn't know about him. He's not someone who has a lot of offers, but that's because he's not a kid who's done self-promoting and all that."

Understandable that in today's recruiting world, it's often he who makes the most noise and camp appearances that garners more attention. The recruits who stay off the radar these days are doing so on their accord; they let their game do the talking.

"Landers could be a beast if he gets in the program and puts in the work early," the source said. "He plays fast, he plays angry and he does it without running his mouth and telling everyone about it. That is the type of kid who succeeds, not just here, but anywhere."

And what of the concept that Landers' commitment eliminates the chase of Neville Gallimore, Christian Wilkins or Terry Beckner, Jr? Rubbish.

"Landers and those other guys are different types of players," he added. "Think of Landers as a Geno Atkins-type and the others as bigger, space-eating types. Different positions, different players and we'd like to get one more. If not, we're comfortable along the defensive line, we'll just need the guys on the roster who've not played much this year to take some big leaps."

WILL LAWRENCE EXCITED FOR BUCKEYE OFFER

Late last week, the Buckeyes extended a scholarship offer to 2018, yes, 2018, offensive lineman Will Lawrence. The next day, as has become fairly standard practice, Alabama extended the same opportunity for the 6-foot-4, 260 pound lineman. He may not have been expecting the attention so early, but Lawrence says that he's absolutely working for it.

"Ohio State was offer number seven," Lawrence told 11W. "I met a few of their coaches last summer at camp and have been in contact with Coach (Larry) Johnson more recently, a lot in the last week. (The offer) this early surprised me a lot, and it really just makes me want to work harder in the classroom and on the field. I know I have to keep getting better."

If you've watched Lawrence's highlights, you might've seen something unexpected for a high school freshman: high-level pass blocking. That's usually reserved for lineman who've seen a bit more coaching. 

"A lot of coaches comment on my pass-protection technique," the Memphis-native said. "That's the biggest positive in my game right now. We run a spread offense in high school and it's helped me there."

Will Lawrence highlights via Hudl

Aside from the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide, Lawrence has offers from TCU, West Virginia, West Virginia, Duke, Cincinnati and FAU. Far too early to really breakdown his opportunities, he says right now he's looking at anyone and everyone. 

"I'm really open to any school right now," he said. "It's where my parents and I feel is the best place for me to get an education and develop as a player. I'll start this coming spring really taking a lot of visits. I want Ohio State to be on that list."

Until the college tours begin, Lawrence says he's focusing on improving.

"My goal in the off-season is to get stronger and quicker and to get my run-blocking to where my pass-blocking is, and of course to keep learning new technique in pass-pro too."

DON'T COUNT ON LECOUNTE

In Ohio State's 2014 recruiting class, a year ago yesterday, they received a pretty big commitment.

Exactly one year ago today , I made the biggest decision of my life ..... Crazy how time flys http://t.co/TOYEYcZ11x

— Raekwon McMillan (@Kwon_daTRUTH) December 16, 2014

Just over a year ago, in September of 2013, the Buckeyes offered 2017 athlete Richard LeCounte, a teammate of McMillan's at Liberty County High School in Hinesville, Georgia. McMillan was — and remains — an important figure in LeCounte's life; more brother than simply "former teammate." LeCounte has visited Ohio State four times in the last year, an almost unheard number of times for anyone to visit one school that's 700 miles away from home in one calendar year.

So, with all that working in Ohio State's favor, many have assumed that LeCounte will assuredly follow in McMillan's footsteps and don the Scarlet and Gray. There's no denying that he's fond of the Buckeyes, but sources close the Liberty County program say that right now Georgia is the more likely destination.

Ironically, it's the closeness LeCounte has with McMillan — and the rest of the 2014 recruiting class that he got to know through his "brother's" recruitment — that could keep him from becoming a Buckeye. McMillan's career arch is such that he's a realistic candidate for early NFL entry. LeCounte's next closest relationship at Ohio State, with freshman wide receiver Johnnie Dixon, may not be enough to bring him north.

Ohio State's 2017 commitment Danny Clark and LeCounte have developed a strong friendship, and if the Buckeyes are to strike Georgia gold once more, it will likely need to be on the strength of those bonds, not his familiarity with McMillan.