Ohio State's impressive 2017 recruiting class added the nation's top-ranked offensive guard Friday when five-star Wyatt Davis of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, committed to the Buckeyes.
Go Buckeyes! pic.twitter.com/GiqYoSGFWy
— Wavy Dub (@wyattdavis53) June 24, 2016
There had been questions as to whether the Buckeyes would add another lineman to this class, but a talent like Davis was too much to pass on. With two of the nation's top tackles already in the fold — five-star Josh Myers (Miamisburg, Ohio) and four-star Jake Moretti (Arvada, Colorado) — it made sense for the focus to switch to the interior of the line. Davis, one of the nation's top-25 players at any position, gives the Buckeyes three offensive linemen ranked in the top-11 nationally at their position in this cycle.
The Davis File
- Class: 2017
- Size: 6-5/310
- Pos: OG
- School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★★
- Composite Rank: 1 (OG)
Ohio State first extended an offer to Davis in May, entering the mix for his services late in the process. Alabama, the presumed favorite, was the first school to offer the five-star, having done so in early 2015. Davis chose the Buckeyes over the Crimson Tide, Oklahoma, Southern California, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame and a host of other schools.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection made it to the Midwest to take unofficial visits to Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State late last week with the Buckeyes earning the key final visit on Saturday. Needless to say, Davis enjoyed his time in Columbus.
Happy Buckeye family pic.twitter.com/FGhGhtGOEJ
— Mike Guardabascio (@Guardabascio) June 24, 2016
Davis has connections to the Buckeye State. His father was born in Cleveland while his grandfather — Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Davis — was a defensive end for the Browns.
Speaking of his father, Duane Davis, is an actor known for his roles in Little Big League, Necessary Roughness and Under Siege. However, he is perhaps best known for playing the character of Alvin Mack — arguably the greatest linebacker to ever appear on the big screen — in the 1993 film The Program.
Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies.
“When I first saw it, I looked at my dad like, ‘Is that really you?’” Davis told Bleacher Report. “That's how he is when he gets angry. You want to make sure he doesn't get angry.”
Davis checked out Tuscaloosa in February, leading many industry analysts to list the Crimson Tide as the team to beat, but the Buckeyes, thanks in part to fellow class of 2017 pledge, quarterback Tate Martell, secured the 6-foot-5, 310-pounder's services following his trip to Columbus.
Martell and Davis, both California natives, developed a friendship and the nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback has been working hard trying to bring other elite prospects to his Ohio State class.
COLUMBUS! https://t.co/Zk1k6HtCGU
— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) June 16, 2016
In fact, Martell teased the commitment of Davis earlier in the week with a pair of cryptic tweets.
Following his visit, Davis raved about Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer's involvement with his visit. Meyer served as Davis' personal tour guide while he was in town, which is something the prospect had not experienced on other visits.
Davis is the 14th member of the Buckeyes' 2017 recruiting class. With Myers and Moretti expected to line up at tackle, Davis looks to be the lone true interior lineman in the class but has the versatility to play outside as well.
Davis is slated to take part in Nike's The Opening next month in Oregon, joining a staggering nine other Ohio State commitments — Myers, Moretti, Martell, running back J.K. Dobbins, defensive tackle Haskel Garrett, defensive back Isaiah Pryor, receiver Brendon White, defensive back Marcus Williamson and linebacker Antjuan Simmons — at the prestigious event.
His high school team is also scheduled to visit perennial power St. Xavier High School in Week 1 this fall and play Martell's Bishop Gorman Gaels two weeks later.
Stick with Eleven Warriors for more on Davis' commitment.
