The Hurry Up is your nightcap of Ohio State recruiting news, catching you up on the day’s events with an ear on the ground for what’s next.
IF PRYTS GOES ELSEWHERE, WHAT HAPPENS?
The Andrew Pryts/2016 defensive back discussions have been copious, but somehow – as we sit just weeks from the beginning of the 2015 season – only two defensive backs are committed to Ohio State.
I've maintained, despite last week's visit to Penn State for Pryts, that Ohio State was out in front for him, even if the masses were beginning to think it was once again the Nittany Lions in the driver's seat. After talking to a few folks today, I'm becoming less confident that Pryts and the Buckeyes work out. Why?
The Penn State visit that Pryts took last weekend, while having no outward affect on Pryts or his decision, can't be ignored. James Franklin's team was at one time the "lock" for Pryts and although Ohio State's push in the spring and summer was impressive. There's always something to be said for comfort and relationships, and that exists in Happy Valley as well as in Columbus, where Pryts has established a tight bond with Luke Fickell and Chris Ash. Penn State has the advantage of being there first, but is that best?
Pryts has delayed his decision a few times but a choice is still expected within the next two weeks. If a decision were to come, there's no doubt that Ohio State would welcome him with open arms.
Let me restate: the Buckeyes definitely want Andrew Pryts in this class.
What if Pryts decides soon and it's Penn State? Then things get very interesting for a class that – at one time – seemed to have too many interested defensive backs. Yes, two of the Buckeyes' longtime priorities (Damar Hamlin and Jordan Fuller) remain on the board, but neither of them is particularly close to a decision. Were the Buckeyes to miss on either of that duo, do they slide down their board or do they bank those spots for what is shaping up to be a potentially epic defensive back haul in 2017?
BORLAND IS IN
Earlier this week, it was Jonathon Cooper who became an "official" Buckeye when he signed his financial aid agreement, binding Ohio State to Cooper. Today, it's Bolingbrook, Illinois linebacker Tuf Borland who, by way of his own financial agreement, is in.
Proud to officially welcome @Tuf_Borland to the Buckeye family! pic.twitter.com/BgoAk6Yqct
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 14, 2015
Borland, like Cooper, will enroll early with the Buckeyes and be on campus in January.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker says he's glad to be on his way; but that there wasn't ever a doubt that he'd change his mind.
"I'm not the type of person to decommit, or change my mind," Borland told 11W. "I was ready to sign. It feels good."
A DECISION FOR JACKSON?
Late last week there was some speculation that one of Ohio State's top targets – defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson – would end his recruitment today. The country's 8th-ranked defensive tackle has visited Columbus twice this summer and since his last visit to campus, for Friday Night Lights, the speculation has been wildly positive for the Buckeyes. Some even believe that Jackson, all 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds of him, had actually committed to Ohio State during his first visit to the school in June. I've tried to get that rumor confirmed, but no one that I speak to near the Buckeyes has said that was the case.
Regardless, talking to people today – and it's 5:22 p.m. at this moment – the possibility of a Jackson commitment was real, but not imminent, and right now it appears it won't happen. Next week? Maybe, but that doesn't mean the Buckeyes have any idea of what the country's 47th-ranked prospect is thinking. In fact, one source told me that Jackson has gone relatively "quiet" in his communication with Ohio State, but that they didn't feel that was necessarily a negative in his recruitment.
Next week, Elysee Mbem-Bosse, a three-star middle linebacker and teammate of Jackson's at Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia, is expected to commit to Auburn. Can the Tigers, who have been near the top for Jackson for a while now, reel in both? Auburn is very high on the list for five-star defensive tackles Rashan Gary and Derrick Brown and they're also near the top for another four-star from Georgia, Michail Carter. Marlon Davidson, a five-star defensive end from Montgomery is expected to pick Auburn as well and at almost 270 pounds, a move to the inside of the defensive line isn't out of the equation for him, either.
Bottom line is this: Jackson is considering a decision soon, and the Buckeyes have felt confident in their position with him for a while. That said, if he's gone somewhat quiet on them, it could be a sign that Auburn has regained traction. Maybe it's distance from home, maybe it's comfort with a coaching staff (at Auburn) where he's visited half-a-dozen times? Maybe Jackson has gone quiet on Auburn's staff as well while he makes his decision? Maybe the choice is still Ohio State and Jackson is looked for some intrigue? Jackson isn't really the type to talk much, so stay tuned.
GILL ISN'T YOUR TYPICAL 2018
We've talked a little bit about how rare an athlete Jaelen Gill is for his age, and as the only 2018 prospect in Ohio with a Buckeye offer, the proof is in that pudding. The folks at StoriedRivals.com, who specialize in highlighting central Ohio's best athletes, have made their stance on Gill known as well.
It's easy to see why Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes have identified Gill as one of the few "must have" players in the state.
HILL MAKING HIS STANCE, WHAT NOW?
Earlier today, Hubbard, Ohio 2016 athlete George Hill told 247Sports.com that he was "100-percent committed" to the Buckeyes. The speedster, who committed to Ohio State last July, is the first member of the 2016 recruiting and recent speculation has been that things may be trending towards a split from Ohio State.
Last week, Hill visited Pittsburgh and was offered a scholarship at the time by new Panthers' head coach Pat Narduzzi. This week, he was also offered by Nebraska, so the sharks out there are smelling blood in the water, it would appear. What does it mean? What's going to happen?
I have said a few times that I am of the mind that changes happen between now and signing day with the Buckeyes and I still believe that Hill ultimately ends up somewhere other than Ohio State. When? I don't know, but I still think that's the most likely result.
JORDAN RULES?
We've all heard the old adage: "It's all about the shoes" and last night, the Michigan football team made one of the more major splashes in recent history.
Big House. Big plans. Welcome to #TeamJordan @umichfootball. #GoBlue https://t.co/elqGkDowH6
— Jordan (@Jumpman23) August 13, 2015
The Jordan brand is still the #undisputed king when it comes to shoes and apparel and there's no doubt that this endeavor is a savvy one by Jim Harbaugh and his team. The recent flip back to Nike from Adidas was a good move in itself, but this takes their brand affiliation to a whole new, exclusive level. No other football program in the country wears Jordan brand and believe it or not, it's something that kids do care about, even if it won't make or break a decision.
Waiting to see what these Michigan Jordan unis gone look like...
— Jamal Pettigrew (@_jamal80) August 14, 2015
That is LSU commit Jamel Pettigrew, a four-star tight end from New Orleans, who immediately posted what most are wondering: what will Jordan and Michigan come up with? Whatever it is, expect it to be well-received by recruits from all around the country and will draw some big attention to the maize and blue.
