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?
After making an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend, Louisville, Kentucky, athlete and now former Louisville Cardinals' commitment Rodjay Burns has committed to the Buckeyes Sunday night.
What does the latest addition bring to the Buckeyes? Let's take a look.
ON THE FIELD
While Burns is, by most accounts, a more-polished wide receiver at this point in his career than he is a defensive back, he's no doubt got the length and speed that Kerry Coombs and Greg Schiano are looking for in the secondary.
At 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, Burns provides those characteristics as well as a stronger-than-you'd-think frame.
"He's bigger than I thought," one source close to the Buckeyes shared about Burns. "He's a legit 6-foot-2 and a good athlete, plus he's fast. He has a lot of tools."
From a frame standpoint, there's little not to like about Burns, but—as with fellow defensive back commitment Jahsen Wint—there are some concerns. With Burns, it's a matter of how his physical skills translate to the defensive side of the ball.
"My only reservation," the source continued. "Is that he was a part-time player on defense, so it's a bit of a projection."
Kerry Coombs has been all over Burns for the last month so while there may be a bit of reluctance because Burns may not be a pure defensive back (yet), he's a player that the Buckeyes' staff has been sold on and pushed hard for this weekend.
IN THE CLASS
Ohio State's 22nd commitment, Burns' commitment gives more flexibility to a recruiting class that is finishing up with a handful of athletes who could, if called upon, play offense, defense or special teams.
Burns will start his career in the secondary, joining Kareem Felder, Wayne Davis and Jahsen Wint but what his commitment means is that the pursuit for Damar Hamlin is likely over. Hamlin has been a bit of a long-shot for the last few months, as it's been expected that he'll head to Pittsburgh, but this commitment tonight all but seals the deal as the remaining focus seems to be Jordan Fuller or Carlos Becker. He could play cornerback or safety in college, and I expect him to join Wint as a safety.
Ohio State remains the Big Ten's top-ranked 2016 recruiting class and sits behind LSU at No. 2 nationally.
THE INTANGIBLES
There's not a lot that's known about Burns from an Ohio State standpoint because he's a name that has been so recently introduced, being offered just before the December-January dead period.
What we do know is that Louisville Trinity is one of the Bluegrass State's powerhouse programs and that anytime you can go into a city like Louisville and take a commitment from them, it's a tall task. In fact, it can be a challenge similar to going into Pittsburgh, which–as we've seen–hasn't been easy for the Buckeyes in recent years.
What's interesting about Burns, from my perspective, is how quietly but obviously seriously he handled his recruitment and his decision to flip. I spoke to three different sources about his official visit to Ohio State and while each one acknowledged that the visit was a big success, they all felt he'd ultimately stick with the Cardinals.
Never doubt the lure of Buckeye football, I suppose.
