The Drought is Over
Caleb Downs scores Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
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?
Gavin Cupp's path to Ohio State has been a bit weird, but when the chance finally came the Leipsic, Ohio, offensive lineman didn't let it pass by: he committed to the Buckeyes earlier today.
Now that's he's officially the 19th member of the 2016 recruiting class, how will Cupp impact the future of Ohio State football? Let's take a look.
ON THE FIELD
Cupp is Big Ten big. He's listed at 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds on his 247Sports.com profile but weighed in during Friday Night Lights at almost 290. He's versatile enough to play any position along the offensive line but he's likely to get this Buckeye career started as an interior lineman, probably at guard where he and Tyler Gerald will flank Walsh Jesuit's Jack Wohlabaugh.
After months of evaluation, it was Cupp's performance during FNL that really cemented his place in the Buckeyes' 2016 class.
"We went over his film from Friday Night Lights and he was just really good," one source close to the Buckeyes shared. "He barely lost a rep, he was just really solid. He was versatile, technically sound and has a college-ready body. He sold us during the camp."
IN THE CLASS
What impressed Ohio State with Cupp is the versatility that he brings, and that's going to be the hallmark of his place in this recruiting class. He's a tackle now, but could play at guard or center in college as well.
As the fourth commitment in the offensive line group, Cupps' commitment means that the Buckeyes are likely finished at the position barring the loss of another player or a sudden surge in interest from a player like Gregory Little, the nation's top-ranked offensive lineman or someone else in his stratosphere. Cupp is a grinder who will be well-liked by his teammates in Columbus because he's selfless, hard-working and incredibly polite kid as well.
THE INTANGIBLES
We all know the story of Cupp's commitment now, being a former Michigan State pledge who had his scholarship pulled for attending Friday Night Lights. Coming from a small-town school like Leipsic, the biggest adjustment for Cupp – who called Ohio State "childhood dream" – will be how he adapts to the increased level of play around him.
He's likely to redshirt at Ohio State, but he's got the perfect mindset and adaptability to thrive in a Buckeyes' system that rewards the hardest-working kids.
