Ohio State's top remaining defensive back targets were in town last weekend, and a couple other key visits are looming as the Buckeyes look to add a pair of defenders to their 2016 class.
Ohio State is currently holding steady with a trio of defensive back commitments in Wayne Davis, Kareem Felder, and newly-minted four-star (per ESPN) Jahsen Wint. With the departures of Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, and Tyvis Powell, the need for some more bodies in the secondary has gone from "necessary" to "imperative."
The top remaining targets were both in town last weekend as Westwood, New Jersey's Jordan Fuller and Pittsburgh's Damar Hamlin made the trip for their official visits. Adding either one would bring some needed size and versatility to the secondary.
Things continue to look great for the Buckeyes and their chances with Fuller, whose family connections with Greg Schiano should make the them tough to beat. The four-star will take an official visit to Michigan this weekend, and with the rest of the Jersey contingent expected to be on hand, it's definitely worth paying attention to. After a strong showing at the Army All-American Bowl, Fuller jumped up 50 spots (to No. 41 overall) in the updated 247sports.com rankings; an update that interestingly had him listed as an Ohio State commitment before being edited.
For Damar Hamlin, there's really no reason to think Ohio State has surpassed Pitt for his services. There is no doubt the kid really likes Ohio State, as evidenced by his numerous trips to Columbus, but the hometown draw just seems like it is going to be too much to overcome. Hamlin will visit Pitt on Jan. 29 and a decision could come anytime after. Despite his love of taking selfies with our head coach, this one should be filed under "unlikely."
Selfie w/ coach Urb! pic.twitter.com/cyVWujkdss
— DAMAR HAMLIN (@HamlinIsland) January 17, 2016
This weekend the Buckeyes will be hosting another pair of talented defensive back prospects. Louisville commit Rodjay Burns is a cornerback who – at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds – possesses the size of a safety. The three-star has been committed to Louisville since March, but since Ohio State extended an offer in December, his recruitment has been up in the air. The sixth-ranked player in the state of Kentucky officially visited Louisville last weekend. The last time Ohio State tried to poach a hometown recruit from the Cardinals was back in 2013 with wideout James Quick.
Kissimmee, Florida's Carlos Becker is arguably the hottest defensive back recruit in America right now. Checking in at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Becker is another one of the rare, bigger-bodied corners that teams are coveting these days. After a solid performance in Orlando for the Under Armour All-American Game, he was elevated to four-star status and received yet another bump Wednesday — now checking in as the No. 11 cornerback in the country according to 247sports.com.
The four-star was in Tallahassee last weekend and the Noles appear to be the team to beat. On Wednesday, Urban Meyer checked in on the Osceola High standout.
#Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer checked in on @beckercarlos5 today before his official visit to OSU this weekend. pic.twitter.com/cMMEEKNPsD
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) January 21, 2016
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia, has been pretty kind to the Buckeyes. Cornerback Baylen Buchanan is currently committed to Tennessee, but the three-star is scheduled to be in Columbus on Jan. 29 for an official visit.
Buchanan – who is the son of former NFL defensive back Ray Buchanan – committed to Louisville, his father's alma mater, in June of 2014. After decommitting this past December, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder pledged to the Vols on New Year's Day. Former Buckeye and Peachtree Ridge standout Bradley Roby was committed to an SEC school – Vanderbilt – before flipping to Ohio State. Perhaps Buchanan follows a similar path?
While Damar Hamlin may very well end up at Pitt, the Buckeyes are targeting another Panther defensive back commit. Henry Miller pledged to the Panthers in December, but recent interest from Ohio State and Miami has the three-star's recruitment heating up as we inch toward signing day. In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Miller discussed the position he is in and his current standing with the Buckeyes.
“Coach Schiano told me that they are all high on me and he's going to let me know in a couple of days,” Miller said. “He doesn't want to bring me on the visit, risking my chance with Pittsburgh, if I don't have a secure spot.” Via
Miller, who also hails from Kissimmee, is tentatively scheduled to visit Columbus on Jan. 29. The Hurricanes also have yet to extend an offer, but the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is set to check out Coral Gables this weekend.
So, with two weeks left until signing day, defensive back recruiting appears to be coming down to those six targets. While it would be foolish to rule out a surprise, it's reasonable to assume that the Buckeyes will add at least one of the aforementioned prospects, but you gotta think they'd prefer to add a pair.
Right now Fuller continues to look like the most likely option, though the Michigan official is still looming. Perhaps this weekend's bout of winter weather will prevent that visit from taking place? Either way, Greg Schiano and the Buckeyes appear to be in a great spot.
The Burns visit will be interesting to watch. His comments after officially visiting Louisville last week certainly didn't reaffirm his commitment to the Cardinals. Becker is probably right behind Fuller on the staff's big board, but all signs are currently pointing toward Florida State.
Best guess right now? Ohio State adds Jordan Fuller and Rodjay Burns.
