The Buckeyes have three weeks to add another defensive tackle to their 2016 haul, and their top remaining target — Monroe, Louisiana's Rashard Lawrence — has now set a commitment date.
— Rashard Lawrence (@Rashard_99) January 14, 2016
Long thought to be a virtual lock to the in-state Tigers, the Buckeyes have made the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder a priority throughout the process. The five-star checked out Ohio State in June and returned for an official visit for the Penn State game in October. He was expected to be done with officials, but on Tuesday announced that he would make a trip to Baton Rouge this coming weekend.
The Crimson Tide were thought to be the biggest threat, but after developing a strong relationship with Larry Johnson, it will be the Buckeyes or Tigers next Friday. The official visit to LSU certainly looms large, but Larry Johnson is expected to make an in-home visit with the Lawrence family on Thursday as well.
After missing out on Antwuan Jackson, the Buckeyes continue to search far and wide for another talented defensive tackle. It hasn't been easy for any school to snatch some of Louisiana's top talent away from the Tigers, but Ohio State is right in the thick of things for the five-star tackle.
