The Hurry Up is your nightcap of Ohio State recruiting news, catching you up on the day’s event with an ear on the ground for what’s next.
ANTWUAN JACKSON RETURNS TO AUBURN
After a three-day visit to Columbus last week, Ellenwood, Georgia, defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson was back on campus at Auburn this weekend. The Buckeyes, who felt the trip to Ohio State couldn't have gone much better, are once again in "sit and wait" mode to see if Jackson, who was rumored to be strongly considering an Auburn pledge before his Buckeye visit, will avoid making a declaration.
He reportedly received a lot of personal attention from Gus Malzahn and the Tigers' coaching staff, and they continue to be the biggest current challenge in Ohio State's pursuit. Landing another big-time defensive tackle in 2016 is one of the few "needs" remaining for the Buckeyes but it wouldn't be surprising at all if Jackson is off the board soon.
Next week, the country's 47th-ranked prospect and 8th-ranked defensive tackle is scheduled to visit USC for a camp in Southern California.
TYLER GERALD TAKES IN OHIO STATE
Although he was Ohio State's second commitment in the 2016 class, Ohio-native Tyler Gerald has not been able to spend much time on campus since his January transfer to Florida's IMG Academy. Now home for the summer, Gerald was at Ohio State on Friday (along with former teammate, 2018 offensive lineman Blaine Scott) and enjoyed the chance to be back in his neck of the woods.
"It always feels good to be home," Gerald said on Friday. "Just to be here."
The four-star offensive lineman spent some time getting to know Kareem Walker, who he'll be blocking for in the future.
Kareem Walker (left) and Tyler Gerald got a chance to know one another a bit on Friday afternoon in Columbus.
The chance to meet Walker and spend a bit more time with a few other future teammates highlighted the visit for Gerald.
"It was a good visit," Gerald told 11W. "It's always nice to see my college family. I got to talk to the coaches, Kareem, and just hang out."
Gerald has been training hard and reportedly has opened a lot of eyes in Florida. The Buckeyes coaching staff encouraged him to just continue plying his trade.
"The coaches told me to keep up what I've been doing," Gerald said. "To keep working and keep grinding."
KJ HAMLER WANTS BUCKEYE OFFER
On Friday evening, I touched briefly on the performance of Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan) 2017 wide receiver KJ Hamler during Friday's one-day camp at Ohio State. Hamler, as I noted, was a bit disappointed in not receiving an offer from the Buckeyes, which nearly everyone in attendance thought he'd land because of his outright domination throughout the day.
"I wanted (the offer)," Hamler told Eleven Warriors. "I hope I get it. I'm really interested in Ohio State and I was a bit disappointed I didn't get the offer. It just means I have to work harder."
Hamler was virtually uncoverable in one-on-one drills on Friday, displaying remarkably quick feet and excellent hands. He thinks, despite his slight frame (5-foot-9, 155-pounds), that he'd be a perfect fit for Ohio State's offense.
"I think they would use me very well in their offense," he said of his interest in the Buckeyes. "They use their slot receivers a lot and they have a great coach in Urban Meyer. I think I could fit well there."
Hamler currently has 11 scholarship offers, including opportunities from Michigan State, Michigan, Louisville, Cincinnati, and others.
OHIO STATE OFFERS LOUISIANA LINEMAN WILLIE ALLEN
The Buckeyes have had luck with Will Allens before and recently they threw their hat into the ring for most recent – and biggest version – yet. New Orleans (John Curtis) offensive tackle Willie Allen added a Buckeye offer late Friday afternoon.
Allen, at nearly 6-foot-8 and 300-pounds, is the nation's third-ranked offensive tackle prospect and is ranked as the 23rd-best overall prospect nationwide.
Ohio State, which landed Jonathan Wells from John Curtis in the late 1990s, has just recently started talking with Allen. Ed Warinner, the Buckeyes' offensive line coach, is the coach who extended the scholarship offer.
DAVIS NARROWS LIST, WATTS MAKES A DECISION
The 2016 defensive back situation isn't any closer to a definitive conclusion after a weekend visit from Texas' Jaylon Jones, but we do know one player that won't be a Buckeye. Craig Watts, a four-star defensive back from St. Petersburg, Florida who had been talking about an Ohio State visit prior to a planned decision date of July 14th, decided to make his commitment this weekend instead.
I'm Blessed to Say that I've Committed to the University of Wisconsin #Onwisconsin @WeBelieveInMe_ @BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/MRu42nw9I4
— Craig Watts Jr. (@NoFlyZone_2016) June 20, 2015
Watts, from the Farragut Academy, was not a likely "take" for the Buckeyes at this point and had yet to visit. His commitment helps narrow a big field of potential defensive back options. One of the primary options and a player who is a take right now is Norfolk, Virginia's Wayne Davis. Davis narrowed his list to three schools late last week.
Official Top 3 #UM #VT #OSU pic.twitter.com/oeiTBnUEPN
— Wayne Davis (@Waynedavis1_) June 19, 2015
The Buckeyes and Hokies, where Davis visited this weekend, remain the favorites but Michigan's inclusion on the list is interesting. Tennessee and Wake Forest, who were in Davis' top five a few weeks ago, have fallen off. Davis will have to make it to Ohio State sometime soon for the Buckeyes to be considered a viable threat to Virginia Tech right now. He's scheduled multiple visits and each has fallen through because of transportation issues and Friday Night Lights appears to be the next most likely option for a visit.
Ohio State's top cornerback target in 2016, Damar Hamlin, was in Florida this weekend for a national seven-on-seven tournament but that didn't stop a little recruiting intrigue from taking place. His close friend and teammate at Pittsburgh Central Catholic, fellow 2016 defensive back Bricen Garner, committed to the hometown Panthers on Saturday; a move that many believe could impact Hamlin's own decision. We won't know for a few months if that's the case, but it's a good addition for Pitt and new head coach Pat Narduzzi either way.
