Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
Buckeye fans, Ohio State has their offensive tackle for 2016 and he's a darn good one: Michael Jordan, the country's 156th-ranked overall prospect and 16th-rated offensive tackle informed the Buckeyes Thursday he was ready to end his recruitment.
What are the Buckeyes getting from Jordan, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Canton, Mich., star? Let's take a look.
ON THE FIELD
Jordan is raw, but exceptionally talented and has major upside. According to one source at Ohio State, he's a player they've had ranked in the same category as Liam Eichenberg, who recently committed to Notre Dame. What makes Jordan standout?
"He's a bit quicker, more athletic, more twitch, maybe even more upside there than is with Liam who was maybe a bit more developed right now," the source said. "There's a better chance to play tackle too. I also like that he's a wrestler, it's a good second sport for a lineman."
How do the Buckeyes see Jordan lining up? That's yet-to-be determined, but he could play either side of the line.
"He's probably a right tackle but I wouldn't rule out left tackle," the source added. "There's a lot to work with."
Jordan's frame and game might compared, at this point, to where sophomore lineman Jamarco Jones was at the same time in his career.
"I think he's actually got a longer frame than Jamarco and might be quicker," the source said of the comparison. "Whereas Jamarco was stronger at the same point in high school, similar type of potential though."
IN THE CLASS
In the class, Jordan becomes Ohio State's third offensive lineman, joining Tyler Gerald and Jack Wohlabaugh, each of whom are interior lineman, at guard and likely center respectively. Jordan has been a priority for the Buckeyes for some time, and the ability to lock him up now means that the offensive line class could be finished already.
Jordan is Ohio State's 15th commitment in the 2016 class and another four-star talent in a class full of them. He's a quiet, private person and isn't likely to do much public table-banging for the Buckeyes or the class, but he's a player that – to those who've met him – is hard-working, personable and committed.
THE INTANGIBLES
Anytime you can take a top player from the home state of not one, but two of your rivals, it's a good day. Jordan is the third-ranked player in the state of Michigan and has been a major target for the Wolverines and new coach Jim Harbaugh. In the new world of recruiting, regional rivalries are bigger than ever and Ohio State beating out Mark Dantonio, Jim Harbaugh and Brian Kelly for a player of this magnitude is another notch in the headboard for Urban Meyer, Ed Warinner and Kerry Coombs. Coombs, specifically, continues to be an undeniable presence in Michigan.
Jordan will, of course, continue to be recruited heavily by all the schools mentioned, and as Harbaugh reels in more of Michigan's best prospects the pressure to stay home will certainly increase. The first piece of the puzzle, getting the commitment, is done. Now it's about holding on to it through February.
