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?
It's finally official: Dwayne Haskins Jr. is a Buckeye.
What does the four-star quarterback mean for Ohio State?
ON THE FIELD
Simply put, Haskins is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has been referred to by some as the most polished passer in his class and his coach at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, says he's more than just a passer. He's a leader.
"He is the best pure passer I have ever seen in high school football," Pat Cilento told Eleven Warriors. "He is so fundamentally sound and the ball jumps out of his hand. He is very smart and is more athletic then most give him credit for, plus he is very mature for his age. Of all the kids I have go through the recruiting process, he has handled it the best."
Haskins first impressed Ohio State two years ago and was a personal favorite of former Buckeye quarterbacks' coach Tom Herman. His attention to detail and love of the position is evident in how he prepares.
"He knows what to say and when and has not let it become a distraction," Cilento continued. "I can tell you I have had numerous coaches tell me he would tell them he had to get off the phone or could not talk because he had to finish homework or watch film of our opponent."
IN THE CLASS
When Tristen Wallace decommitted from Ohio State in December after informing the Buckeyes he wanted to change positions, there was a brief moment of "where do we go from here" and that's when Haskins, who committed to Maryland in May, became the priority.
The country's seventh-ranked quarterback, Haskins commitment gives the Buckeyes a player who was a major target for years at the game's most important position. You want to bring a quarterback every cycle and even though J.T. Barrett is firmly entrenched as the starter in 2016 and presumably for 2017, it was important for the Buckeyes to land one in this class.
The four-star's commitment has the Buckeyes as the country's second-ranked 2016 class and moves Ohio State back into the lead in the Big Ten.
THE INTANGIBLES
Haskins is unquestionably a leader among his peers, he's been pointed at by a number of fellow recruits as a player "they want to play with" and his impact has already helped the Buckeyes reel in fellow Maryland star Keandre Jones.
Like Jones, the flip and commitment of Haskins is a major blow to Maryland, who had hoped to use the pair as a launching point for a kind of Terrapin Rebirth under new head coach D.J. Durkin.
Haskins' exudes confidence–occasionally bordering on cockiness–but the decision to attend Ohio State over Maryland and LSU (where he was expected to visit this upcoming weekend) speaks to a maturity that is often ignored as his social media bravado is overly scrutinized.
Now, Haskins, who is close with a number of other recruits with upcoming decisions–including Rashard Lawrence and Sam Bruce–will put on his own recruiting hat and give the Buckeyes one more key piece in their up-to-signing-day pursuits.
