Ohio State currently has commitments from two of the nation's top-10 offensive tackles. Five-star Josh Myers is the top-rated offensive lineman in the country and Jake Moretti, who surprised many when he committed last July, checks in at No. 61 nationally.
It's been a common theme of late, but both players should be capable of manning either tackle spot or potentially moving to the interior offensive line if needed. With Pat Elflein being the only lineman who definitely will be gone after 2016, there really isn't a huge need at the position.
With that being said, we still anticipate that Ed Warinner and Greg Studrawa will look to add one or two more to the 2017 class.
1. ISAIAH WILSON • BROOKLYN, NY (POLY PREP) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 16
Isaiah Wilson may not possess the versatility of Myers or Moretti, but the 6-foot-7, 322-pounder definitely has the look of an elite offensive tackle. While it may not be imperative that the Buckeyes add another one of the country's best at the position, keeping Wilson away from Michigan certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.
Despite missing a scheduled trip late in November, the Brooklyn standout identified Michigan as his leader around Thanksgiving. The five-star had previously released a top-10 list of schools – which included Ohio State – but later indicated that his list would be changing due to an influx of new offers. Alabama, Auburn, and Florida State had also made an appearance on the list.
The Buckeyes have had some recent success in Brooklyn, pulling Curtis Samuel in 2014 and signing Jahsen Wint earlier this month.
2. JORDAN MCNAIR • OWINGS MILLS, MD (MCDONOGH SCHOOL) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 241
We were first introduced to Jordan McNair back in September of 2014. At the time, the Buckeyes and in-state Terps were the only two schools that had offered the four-star. Since then, the offer sheet has grown to include schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Auburn, and Tennessee.
At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, McNair has the size and length to play tackle, but is another candidate who could also play guard.
"Because of my height and my length, I think I'm definitely a tackle," he added. "For me, I'm just looking at what each program is the best fit for me. Every school has different benefits so it's going to take time to figure it all out. I'm not in any hurry and will likely decide my senior year of high school."
He was in Columbus this past November and made a return trip in January for Ohio State's junior day.
3. MICAH CLARK • HOLMDEL, NJ (VIANNEY REGIONAL) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 64
Last December, the nation's No. 11 offensive tackle identified Ohio State as his leader. Micah Clark, a 6-foot-5, 283-pound tackle from New Jersey, was initially planning to announce his commitment in January, but those plans were scratched.
The Nittany Lions may be the stiffest competition as the four-star made multiple trips to Happy Valley this fall. Clark is also planning to check out Clemson, Michigan, and Michigan State before making any sort of announcement.
Urban Meyer and Ed Warinner both checked in on Clark last December, and you can bet Greg Schiano will factor into this recruitment as well.
4. TONY GRAY • LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (CENTRAL GWINNETT) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 81
The state of Georgia has been a priority for the Buckeyes ever since the Meyer Era began in late 2011. Vonn Bell, Raekwon McMillan, and Isaiah Pryor are just some of the names the Buckeyes have had recent success with.
At 6-foot-4 and 282 pounds, Tony Gray probably projects more as an offensive guard, though the four-star has expressed interest in staying at left tackle, which is the spot he's been manning in high school. Gray visited Columbus last August and received a visit from Urban Meyer just a few weeks back.
His crystal ball currently reads 100% in favor of the in-state Bulldogs.
5. ROBERT HAINSEY • BRADENTON, FL (IMG ACADEMY) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 164
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Robert Hainsey is another one of the nation's top recruits who migrated to Bradenton's IMG Academy. Ohio State extended an offer in September to the four-star who had previously been to Columbus for Friday Night Lights in July.
Hainsey, who probably projects as more of a guard at the next level, could be seeing a lot of the Buckeyes' coaching staff as they will certainly be making numerous trips to IMG between now and next February.
Other names to watch in the state of Ohio include Sugarcreek's Joel Honigford and Kings Mills' Matt Sichterman. Honigford holds offers from Kentucky, Nebraska, and others. He added a big one earlier this week when the Spartans extended an offer. Pittsburgh, Oregon State, and Rutgers have offered Sichterman. Both players were on hand for Ohio State's junior day last month.
A lot will certainly change between now and February of 2017, but right now the 2016 squad is set to feature twelve scholarship linemen who will only be freshman or sophomores. While there is a lot of unproven talent, it's tough to imagine the Buckeyes reaching for another offensive lineman (or two) for the 2017 class.
