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?
Offered on Wednesday, it didn't take long for Olentangy Liberty's Brendon White, the son of former Buckeye William White, to commit to Urban Meyer and Ohio State.
ON THE FIELD
Although he's only ranked as the country's 22nd-best safety, Brendon White is a top-tier athlete and, if he had a surefire position to project him at in the future, its likely he'd be ranked significantly higher. Unfortunately for White, but fortunately for the Buckeyes, White is capable of playing pretty much anywhere on the field.
"He can pretty much play anywhere," a source close to the Buckeyes said. "He's really athletic and there's no doubt that he's going to get better."
Currently 6-foot-2 and 195-pounds, White is likely to get his first crack at Ohio State as a linebacker a lá Darron Lee. He's big, he's fast and has a very high football IQ.
"One thing that stood out," the source added. "Is that he plays really smart and decisive football. He reads plays well and makes quick adjustments."
IN THE CLASS
The 11th member of Ohio State's 2017 recruiting class (ranked as the country's best) White is, as noted, likely to start his collegiate career on defense as a linebacker if he continues to develop physically.
With only one linebacker in the 2016 class, it's interesting that right now both White and fellow 2017 pledge Isaiah Pryor are high school defensive backs that project as outside linebackers down the line.
White is the first 2017 commitment since July, and the sixth player from Ohio to pull the trigger for the Buckeyes in that cycle.
THE INTANGIBLES
The son of a former Buckeye, White's commitment means a couple things off the field that can't be overlooked. First, he's not going anywhere, and there's little doubt or concern moving forward about him taking other visits, etc.
"(Ohio State) is my dream school," White told 11W. "I've always wanted to go to school there. I just wanted it over with."
White, like Jonathon Cooper in the 2016 class, is a local product that will likely be a focal point of the 2017 class whenever prospects come visit because he's going to be so committed to the class and the school.
A big, strong defensive back/linebacker with NFL bloodlines, White's football IQ and work-ethic made him attractive to a number of big-time programs, including Notre Dame and Michigan State, each of whom offered him recently.
