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?
For the second time in less than a month, Ohio State has gone outside of the Big Ten's ample footprint and reeled in a major prospect that's never stepped a foot onto the Buckeyes' campus.
Last month it was Haskell Garrett, a four-star defensive tackle from Las Vegas, and today it's running back J.K. Dobbins, a four-star tailback from Texas who joined the #Select17.
What does Dobbins bring to the Buckeyes? Let's look a bit closer.
ON THE FIELD
The first thing that stands out as you watch Dobbins' tape is that this kid is fast, but he doesn't look like a burner. At 5-foot-10 and 200-pounds, Dobbins' has the size and speed combination, along with incredibly quick feet, to make himself a nightmare for defenses. He's stronger than you'd think and makes decisive cuts, reading his blockers well and has exceptional balance.
The country's 62nd-ranked overall prospect is an exciting addition to future Ohio State offenses.
"There's a lot to like about his game," one source shared on Dobbins. "He's really quick, but strong and sees the field well. He's a game-changer type of back. Not sure what he'll be like out of the backfield or when he's asked to pass-protect but everything about his game translates to the next level."
IN THE CLASS
The second running back committed for 2017, Dobbins' is the 13th commitment for Ohio State in their top-ranked recruiting class. He joins Ohio's Todd Sibley, the country's 16th-ranked back, in the backfield for the Buckeyes. Barring something significant happening, Dobbins and Sibley will be the two backs in the class come next February.
The sixth Top 100 player nationally in the fold for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, Dobbins is the 10th prospect ranked in the Top 250, giving Ohio State a class that is bordering on epic.
JK Dobbins commitment gives Ohio State 11 ESPNJr300 commitments for 2017, just 2 shy of 2016's total ESPN300 commitments. It's March
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) March 6, 2016
Dobbins is the first commitment from Texas since Demetrius Knox, who committed to Ohio State in July of 2014.
Texas' seventh-ranked prospect intends to enroll early.
THE INTANGIBLES
There's not much known about Dobbins yet, as his commitment comes so quickly after receiving his Ohio State (which happened on February 17th) so we'll let his high school coach, Matt Kates talk about his character.
From KXAN.com:
“It’s the work ethic,” Kates added. “It’s the team above everything else. The grades take care of themselves, and he takes pride in that last name. He takes pride in representing his mom and his family. That’s why people love him.”
For the Buckeyes, it's another commitment that showcases the power of the football program and their growing national brand. To go into Texas and take a player of Dobbins' magnitude, with offers from all over, and to land a commitment from him without a visit, speaks volumes about what the Buckeye name means throughout the country and the efforts Tony Alford has put in since being hired in February of 2015.
